The ATSB investigation into a freight train derailment and subsequent collision with a passenger train at Barnawartha, Victoria, on 29 January 2020, is in the ‘internal review - drafting phase’.
The Pacific National freight train 4MC2 was travelling north from Melbourne, Victoria to Griffith, in New South Wales. The train consisted of four locomotives and 46 container wagons. At about 1740, the train was descending on a downgrade towards Barnawartha when it derailed.
V/Line passenger train 8630 was operating the 1720 Albury to Southern Cross service. The train was travelling south on the west line and was approaching Barnawartha when it impacted a derailed container wagon on the freight train, that was fouling the west line.
There were no injuries on either train and only minor damage to the trains and track.
This investigation is being led by the Office of the Chief Investigator Transport Safety Victoria (CITS). CITS conducts rail investigations in Victoria on behalf of the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
As part of the investigation, investigators have examined the track, wagons, communications, and conduct interviews with relevant personnel.
The investigation’s final report has now been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings.
The final report will be released at the end of the investigation.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.