Gold Coast train evacuated after becoming stuck on line near Yatala

Emergency services have been called to help evacuate passengers stranded on a train in the northern Gold Coast. FULL DETAILS

Passengers had to be evacuated from a train stranded near Elderslie Rd in Yatala on Monday afternoon after a tree branch struck powerlines.

More than 100 people were evacuated from the train, which became stuck between Ormeau and Beenleigh at about 2.30pm.

Emergency services on the scene after a train got stuck on the line near Yatala. Picture: QAS.

Fireys and the Queensland Ambulance Service attended the scene amid temperatures of around 30 degrees celcius in the area.

QAS Senior Operations Supervisor Adam Flory said 15 people had been assessed at the scene for heat stress.

“Paramedics attended a rail incident reported on the line between Ormeau and Beenleigh Stations at 3.13pm,” Mr Flory said.

“A train had stopped between the stations and was unable to resume operations.

“Paramedics stood by while approximately 140 people were moved to a nearby waiting train. 15 people were assessed at scene for heat related illness. One person was transported to a private address due to a medical condition.”

Emergency services on the scene after a train got stuck on the line near Yatala. Picture: QAS.

The evacuated passengers were moved from the affected service to another train which pulled up on an adjoining line, avoiding the need for them to be transferred onto buses.

Queensland Rail head of South East Queensland Scott Riedel told the Bulletin the problems had been caused when powerlines were struck by a branch.

“At 2.22pm a tree branch was reported on the overhead powerlines at Ormeau on the Gold Coast line,” the state

“As a result, one service lost power and became stuck mid-section with approximately 100 customers onboard.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority and emergency services are currently onsite assisting in the evacuation of those customers. Alternative transport is being arranged for these customers.

“All outbound train services were immediately suspended between Beenleigh and Coomera stations.

Emergency services on the scene after a train got stuck on the line near Yatala. Picture: QAS.

“As of 4pm, delays of up to 30 minutes are being experienced on outbound services on the Gold Coast line which are continuing to operate around the affected area through to Varsity Lakes station.

“Inbound services remain unaffected by the incident.”

By 4.20pm the branches which had fallen on the powerlines were removed, allowing the stranded train to leave the scene and services to begin returning to normal.

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Originally published as Gold Coast train evacuated after becoming stuck on line near Yatala