TSB: Rail accidents were flat, but fatalities climbed in Canada last year

In 2012, the number of railway accidents in Canada were similar to 2011's count, but the number of rail-related fatalities rose slightly, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), which yesterday released its annual safety statistics involving rail, pipeline, marine and aviation.

Rail-related fatalities last year totaled 82 versus 71 in 2011 and the five-year average of 76. Accidents involving passenger trains fell from 68 in 2011 to 48, but trespasser-related incidents rose from 67 in 2011 to 71.

Overall, about eight transportation occurrences were reported to the TSB each day in 2012, about the same number as in 2011. The TSB defines a reportable transportation occurrence as any accident or incident associated with the operation of a ship, pipeline, railway rolling stock or aircraft.

"However, 2012 saw an increase in the number of fatalities. Of the 2,881 total occurrences reported, there were 157 fatalities, up from 121 in 2011," TSB officials said in a press release.

The number of marine accidents declined 12 percent compared with 2011, but aviation accidents climbed 13 percent.