CANADA:
Miramichi "Ocean" smash occurred in "dark territory"

Incorrectly set manual switches in so-called "dark territory" are thought to have been responsible for a collision between

photo: CBC Collision of VIA Rail's "Ocean" at Miramichi NB

a Canadian passenger train and stationary freight cars.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada believe that the train was diverted from the main line due to a track switch which was incorrectly set. The switch is manually operated and not under the direct control of a control centre. The system relies on local rail staff following correct procedures when operating the switches. Controllers would therefore have no idea if anything was wrong. Areas such as this, which because of the manual switches are outside of central control are known within the rail industry as "Dark Territiory".

The switch should be locked in the correct position for normal running on the main line. However, the switch at Miramichi was locked in the wrong position causing the train to enter the siding where the freight cars, containing wood chips were standing.

According to a VIA Rail spokesperson, 5 people received serious injuries, although none were life

map: Via Rail Route of VIA Rail's "Ocean"

threatening. One of the injured was a train crew member who received serious burns. He had been working in the kitchen.

Reports indicate that the remoteness of the area and the terrain, made difficult by snow hampered rescue work. It is understood however that all the injured were transported to hospital.