GATINEAU, QC, July 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is encouraged that the Minister of Transport is expediting the removal of the higher-risk DOT-111 tank cars from use in the transportation of crude oil.

The protective direction announced today is a positive step, and highlights Canadian leadership in terms of action taken to improve tank car safety.

We look forward to continued strong action from both the regulator and industry to reduce the risks associated with the transportation of crude oil and other flammable liquids by rail.

The Board's recommendations on the safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail that came out of its investigation into the July 2013 Lac-Mégantic accident, and its assessment of Transport Canada's responses, are available on the TSB website.

Transportation of flammable liquids by rail is on the TSB Watchlist.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

The TSB is online at www.tsb.gc.ca. Keep up to date through RSS, Twitter (@TSBCanada), YouTube, Flickr and our blog.

SOURCE Transportation Safety Board of Canada