Train loaded with minerals is inundated

RISING floodwaters have inundated a stowed freight train loaded with minerals as the flood crisis hits northwest Queensland.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said late on Thursday afternoon, aerial inspections on the Mount Isa line discovered a stowed freight train at Nelia had been significantly affected by rising floodwaters.

“The train had been stowed at the location since 31 Janu- ary, as a precaution, due to heavy rainfall on the Mount Isa line,” Mr Easy said.

The 80 wagons were storing zinc, lead and copper anode.

“The aerial inspection showed the wagons at varying angles, with some on their side. It is understood that some product has spilled into floodwaters,” Mr Easy said.

Due to rising floodwaters and heavy rainfall, crews are unable to access the site.

“Upon identifying the impacted train, Queensland Rail immediately reported the issue to emergency services, Department of Environment and Science and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, and has stood up a local incident co-ordination team,” Mr Easy said.

“Queensland Rail will work closely with the different agencies to understand impacts and respond to the incident, and will continue to keep the local community updated.

“While Queensland Rail understands all other locomotives are safe and accounted for, further aerial inspections will be undertaken as soon as is safe to do so to confirm this.

“This is an unprecedented flooding event and Nelia is a high point in the area which has previously provided safe flood-free stowing for trains in flood events.”