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The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is continuing to undertake a detailed material analysis of rolling stock components after a fractured axle was at identified at the site of a freight train derailment south of Rockhampton, Queensland.
An ATSB preliminary report from the on-going investigation details that, on the evening of 29 January 2023, a Pacific National freight train was travelling west near Marmor at about 100 km/h, when the third bogie on its sixth wagon derailed.
The emergency brake was applied and the train stopped 1.1 km from the initial point of derailment. Several of its multi-pack wagons had derailed, significantly damaging points, crossings, level crossing equipment, and overhead wiring stanchions.
At about the same time, the crew of an Aurizon coal train, travelling on the parallel track in the opposite direction, noticed a cloud of dust emanating from the freight train, and began to apply their own emergency brake.
“The coal train collided with a container from the freight train which was fouling the opposite track,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said.
“Fortunately, the coal train stopped before reaching the main portion of the freight train wreckage, at the Bills Road level crossing.”
The coal train sustained impact damage to the driver’s side of the cabin. No injuries were reported in the accident.
Investigators from the ATSB attended the accident site, and found an axle from the sixth wagon had fractured.
“This correlated with marks found on the rail head at the point of derailment,” Ms Hughes noted.
Along with site inspections, investigators have so far interviewed the crew of both trains, received evidential material including recorded data, and conducted a detailed examination of rolling stock components.
“This preliminary report summarises information from the early evidence-gathering phase of its investigation into the derailment, and as such contains no analysis or findings, which will be presented in a final report,” Ms Hughes explained.
“As the investigation progresses, the ATSB will continue a detailed material analysis of specific rolling stock components, as well as examining maintenance records, procedures, and practices.”
Investigators will also review similar occurrences, and any other relevant evidential material available, before preparing a final report for release at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely action can be taken,” Ms Hughes concluded.
Read the preliminary report: Derailment of freight train 82P7 and subsequent collision with coal train 9F02, near Marmor, Queensland, on 29 January 2023