Australian Transport Safety Bureau preliminary report into Marmor derailment
A preliminary report into the cause of a train derailment in Central Queensland has been released, with the ATSB revealing its key focus. SEE NEW PHOTOS.
Rockhampton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rockhampton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A broken bogie will be one of the key focuses of investigators after a freight train derailed and collided with a coal train south of Rockhampton in January, causing massive disruption to the rail network.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released a preliminary report, detailing its focus on what may have caused the freight train to derail and collide with the coal train.
The derailment caused significant damage to the rail corridor at the Bills Rd crossing, closing the track to all trains until February 11.
Residents nearby said they heard a “big bang” and saw a plume of dust around the time the incident happened.
Part of the extensive repairs include replacing 2000 concrete sleepers, 2km rail, at least 12 electrical masts, 1.5km each of four types of overhead wire, and laying 2300 tonnes of ballast.
According to the preliminary report, which was released on Thursday, as the freight train, which was destined for Townsville, was travelling towards the crossing the leading wheel set on the third bogie of the sixth wagon derailed.
The preliminary report contains factual information that was established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase.
The derailed wheel set collapsed into the centre of the track and travelled in the derailed condition over the points, crossing and the Bills Rd level crossing.
The report says the driver of the freight train reported the train did not respond as expected and noted a slight drag when applying the throttle when approaching the crossing.
“The driver stated they checked the locomotive mirrors, noticed sparks coming from the train, and subsequently the emergency brake applied,” the report says.
The driver made an emergency call over the UHF radio as the train was slowing, with the train coming to a full stop about 1113 metres from the point of derailment.
About the same time or just prior to the emergency call the network controller in Rockhampton called the coal train by UHF about a loss of signalling detection at the points near the Bills Rd crossing.
The crew on the coal train noticed a “cloud of dust” coming from ahead, with the driver applying the emergency brake.
The coal train collided with a container attached to one of the derailed wagons from the freight train, causing “significant impact damage” to the drivers side of the cabin.
So far the ATSB has done site inspections, interviewed the crew of both trains, received materials including recorded data and conducted a detailed examination of rolling stock components.
As the probe continues investigators will do as detailed material analysis of specific rolling stock components, a detailed examination of maintenance records, procedures and practices, similar occurrences and other relevant material.
A final report will be released when the investigations have finished.
Firefighters rush to fire at two-storey Rockhampton house
Three fire crews are at a two-storey house in Rockhampton after something inside the home caught alight.
Labor elder lets fly in warts and all election dissection
A Labor powerbroker is predicting a “Steven Bradbury” win for the LNP this election, saying his party is “in more strife than a wallaby at a dingo’s picnic”.