Tree caught in overhead line at Eagle Junction caused major delays for Brisbane trains

Commuters face a hectic Friday evening rush after a tree got caught in an overhead line in a busy station in Brisbane’s north, suspending all trains in one direction.

TransLink has warned Friday evening commuters could face delays of up to 60 minutes after a tree caught in an overhead line suspended trains on six lines.

The Airport, Caboolture, Doomben, Redcliffe Peninsula, Shorncliffe and Sunshine Coast line trains were suspended between Eagle Junction, Northgate, Doomben and Domestic Terminal stations at 4.37pm.

By 5.07pm the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast line trains had resumed but massive lines had already formed before TransLink organised railbuses to keep commuters on the remaining closed lines moving.

Reports on social media said that huge lines had formed at Brisbane Airport due to the suspension.

Massive lines at Brisbane Airport Friday afternoon after a tree caught in an overhead lines suspended all trains north of Eagle Junction.

Many commuters took to Twitter to air their grievances at the untimely suspensions.

“ After a long week, you get to the train station for your ride home, and all services in the area are suspended,” one wrote.

“I have two train lines I can go on to get home and trains aren't running on either atm 😑,” said another.

“Three days in a row now my train home has been straight up cancelled … unlucky,” added a frustrated passenger.

“Currently trapped on a train heading to Brisbane airport, due to overhead power lines down. Waiting to evacuate, will miss my flight home. It’s gonna be a long night … #HappyFriday,” one said on Instagram.

Queensland Rail executive general manager (South East Queensland operations) Neil Backer said on Friday night that the suspensions were caused by private vegetation works.

“Early investigations indicate the incident occurred when works conducted at a private residential property next to the rail corridor resulted in vegetation coming into contact with the overhead line equipment,” he said.

“Queensland Rail’s team is working hard to get all services back up and running as soon as safely possible.”.

As of 9.30pm Queensland Rail’s Facebook page said residual delays of up to 60 minutes remained in place across all Citytrain lines.

Services remained suspended between both Bowen Hills and Doomben, and Bowen Hills and Domestic Airport stations.

Rail replacement buses continue to operate on both the Doomben and Airport lines in both directions.