Rail system back on track after major train derailment in Katherine

Aurizon have completed repairs on the railway leading into the Top End after a major train derailment at Katherine. Read how the crash impacted supply chains.

The railway to the Top End is operational once more almost a week after a road train caused the derailment of a freight train in the Katherine region.

A truck collided with the train at the crossing through Florina Rd, Cossack at 10.55am on June 14 heavily damaging the track.

Several trailing cabins were destroyed and four members of the Aurizon crew were taken to the Katherine Hospital with minor injuries.

The ariel view after a train derailed near Katherine. Picture: NTPFES

Infrastructure, planning and logistics minister Eva Lawler said the train was back on track as of Sunday following the efforts of rail operator Aurizon.

Ms Lawler said no supply issues had arisen as a result the crash with a large majority of goods easily moved to trucks.

“The train is running which is great news,” Ms Lawler said.

“Aurizon jumped in very quickly and had trucks delivering the freight from Alice Springs, a lot of our refrigerated freight is already delivered this wat.

“I must commend Aurizon on how they managed the whole scene, their communication was really good with the public and their speed getting the rail back up must be commended.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched an official investigation into the incident.

Major grocers switch to roads after crash

Major grocers have switched the delivery of goods to the Top End to the road after a collision caused a freight train derailment near Katherine.

A truck collided with the train at the crossing through Florina Rd, Cossack at 10.55am on Wednesday heavily damaging the track.

As a result the transport of goods from interstate has switched from trains to trucks as suppliers ensure stock levels won’t be impacted.

An NT government spokesman said major grocers such as Coles and Woolworths had already switched to the roads as of Thursday when it became clear the rail would be out of commission.

“Major grocers have contingencies in these situations and will immediately switch to trucks to continue the movement of goods,” he said.

“Woolworths advised the goods were due to leave Adelaide on Thursday by rail instead left on trucks.

“Goods that were in Alice Springs bound for Darwin had also been placed on trucks.

“No impacts on stock levels are expected at this stage.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched an official investigation into the incident.

The collision between the lead locomotive and first trailer of the road train resulted in the derailment of two locomotives, crew car and several trailing wagons.

The locomotives, several trailing wagons and the road train’s trailers were destroyed as a result of the collision and resulting fire.

ATSB investigation phase includes interviewing the train crew and road-train driver, as well as any witnesses.

“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken,” the report read.

“A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.”

National train operator Aurizon has arranged alternative transport methods for regular supermarket and food supplies to make it to the rest of the Top End.

The derailed train was transporting general freight and diesel which resulted in a fire as a result of the crash.

NT emergency services alongside the Royal Australian Air Force and Bushfires NT managed to contain the fire.

Four Aurizon staff were taken to Katherine District Hospital with minor injuries. They have since all been discharged.

Freight and passenger train services, including trips to Adelaide from Darwin on the Ghan, have been impacted on the Tarcoola to Darwin line.

Police concluded investigations into the cause of the crash around 4pm, Thursday allowing Aurizon recovery teams to begin restoration of the scene.

The Florina Rd railway crossing remains closed to the public with access to Florina Rd permitted only to local traffic.

The rail corridor detour from Shadforth Rd remains open to the traffic for light vehicles only, motorists remain advised to avoid the area where possible.

Meanwhile, a Ghan spokeswoman said the derailment had forced the southbound passenger train to return to Darwin on Wednesday.

The northbound Ghan has departed Adelaide and is on its way to Alice Springs.

“We are liaising with the track owner on when the track is likely to be cleared so we can determine any ongoing impacts,” the spokeswoman said.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and minimise disruption to our guests’ journeys.”

A train derailed in Katherine after a truck crashed into it. Picture: NTPFES

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer said it was lucky nobody had been seriously injured in the incident.

“I commend the work of everyone involved as without the fast deployment of firefighting resources to the location, we would have potentially seen a large bushfire take hold in the area,” he said.

Police have urged witnesses of the crash to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference 10371424.

WorkSafe NT and the National Rail Safety Regulator have been informed about the crash.

Major delays as truck collides with train

Emergency services are responding to a major incident after a truck and train collided in Katherine.

The train derailed as a result of the incident and there is an active fire on Florina Rd.

The train driver and co-driver are reported to have minor injuries.

Emergency services advised motorists to avoid Florina Rd in the vicinity of Cossack, 13.8km outside the Katherine CBD.

Major traffic delays are expected as emergency services work to contain the incident.

Drivers are also warned to be cautious as firefighting crews combat the issue and smoke affects visibility.

Katherine MLA Jo Hersey took to social media to warn residents of Florina Rd to stay clear of the situation.