ATSB train probe on track
Derailment investigation progressing
INVESTIGATIONS into what caused a loaded coal train and two locomotives to derail near Jondaryan last year are continuing.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators revealed the driver of the Aurizon coal train saw something on the rail line when the lead locomotive approached a level crossing 9km northwest of Oakey the afternoon of July 21.
The train was travelling about 55km/h and the driver initially “thought it was a bird or small animal on the rail”.
“As the train neared the level crossing, the driver identified a ‘kink’ in both the rails,” ATSB investigators said.
“The driver applied a full service brake application to control the train to stop.
“At about (4pm), as the lead locomotive passed through the level crossing, the crew felt the locomotive shudder.”
The driver watched through side mirrors as
several wagons derailed before the configuration came to a stop.
“An inspection by the crew identified that both locomotives and 18 vehicles of the train had derailed,” the ATSB said.
“The derailment also resulted in the destruction of about 300m of the Queensland Rail track infrastructure.”
Further investigations determined the line was damaged by a “heavy road vehicle” at the level crossing which “caused the horizontal distortion of both rails prior to the arrival of (the) train”.
The rail line was closed for weeks as the wagons and locomotives were first recovered then repairs carried out.
The ATSB is yet to close its investigations but will probe the “management arrangements for the occupational/private level crossing, details for heavy vehicle guidelines for excess dimension”, and testing and analysis of the damaged rails.