Wilmar Sugar and Renewables cane-train locomotive derailment in Ingham
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables cane train derailment has severed the Bruce Highway and North Coast railway line between Townsville and Cairns. See the photos.
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A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables cane train derailment has severed the Bruce Highway and North Coast railway line between Townsville and Cairns.
Multiple emergency service crews are at the scene of the locomotive derailment on the corner of Anne and Cartwright streets in Ingham, Hinchinbrook Shire at 2.15pm on Wednesday.
The fully laden cane-train extends to the Bruce Highway, where traffic is blocked.
Queensland Police Service have traffic diversions in place.
The Queensland Rail Tilt Train is currently stuck at Ingham Railway Station.
Passengers were seen walking on the station platform taking pictures of the spectacle.
In addition to QPS, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency crews are at the scene of the derailment, which includes at least four full cane bins.
The locomotive, heading toward Victoria Mill, came off the sugarcane railway tracks near where they intersect with the North Coast railway line that runs from Cairns to Brisbane.
Wilmar sugar crews were also on scene.
There are no reported injuries.
Cane-bin derailments are a comparatively common occurrence in the immediate vicinity but such incidents involving locomotives are rarer.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables confirmed the incident occurred at the Ingham rail crossing about 2.50pm.
A spokeswoman said that in addition to the locomotive derailment, six cane bins also came off the track.
“The Cartwright Street section of the rail crossing was cleared for traffic by 3.40pm and our crews are now working to clear other sections of the line,” she said.
“We are working with police and will also be conducting our own investigation into the incident.”
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Originally published as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables cane-train locomotive derailment in Ingham
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