Ghan train travelling through Alice Springs has 20 windows damaged, allegedly by children pelting rocks
Three children were arrested for allegedly throwing rocks at tourist train coming to Alice Springs. See the pictures and read what we know.
Update, November 18, 10.30am: Alice Springs Police say they’ve caught three children who allegedly smashed 20 windows on the Ghan train as it was heading into Alice Springs.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, NT Police said the three children, one aged 11 and two aged 10, were “dealt with” under the provision of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
Police said referrals have been made to the Department of Children and Families.
On Monday afternoon, police said 20 windows were smashed on the Ghan Train when it was pelted with rocks as it headed north into Alice Springs.
The damage was spread over the Ghan, which is 774m long, but police said 20 windows were smashed.
A spokeswoman for Journey Beyond, operators of the tourist train, said the “train’s operations were unaffected” by the smashed windows.
The train was parked in the Alice Springs train station Monday afternoon, where tourists disembarking the train were seen photographing the damaged windows.
20 windows smashed as Ghan rocked en route to the Red Centre capital: Cops
Initial, November 17, 5pm: A train travelling through Alice Springs has suffered “extensive damage” with twenty windows smashed after rocks were thrown at it, cops say.
NT Police allege two youths threw the rocks at the unnamed passenger train at around 2pm Monday afternoon when it passed Telegraph Tce heading north into town.
No injuries were reported, police said, but the train suffered “extensive damage”.
This masthead visited the Ghan Terminal in Alice Springs Monday afternoon, where a number of windows on the Ghan train were visibly damaged.
It is understood the windows were damaged on a number of carriages down the length of the 774m train.
This masthead also observed tourists who disembarked the train walking to the damaged windows and taking photos, while Ghan staff were observed working as usual.
Chatting to this masthead, one individual – who did not want their name used – said thankfully no windows were fully smashed on the train.
They attributed this to the double glazing of the windows, and were surprised to hear police had put out a media release about it.
Journey Beyond, operators of the train which travels from Adelaide to Darwin, have been contacted for comment.
The train was terminated at the Alice Springs station, police said, who also made no mention if the two youths had been arrested or not.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P25310523.
Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
More to come.
Originally published as Ghan train travelling through Alice Springs has 20 windows damaged, allegedly by children pelting rocks
