A FRACTURED axle has become a focus in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation into a freight and coal train collision.
The ATSB has been investigating the incident since January this year, when an Aurizon coal train and a Pacific National freight train collided near Marmor, south of Rockhampton.
The ATSB released a preliminary report on Thursday (6 April) that offers some new insight into the incident.
The report notes that on the evening of 29 January 2023, the Pacific National freight train, carrying containers, was travelling west near Marmor at about 100 kilometres per hour, when the third bogie on its sixth wagon derailed.
The emergency brake was applied, and the train stopped around a kilometre from the initial point of derailment.
Several of its multi-pack wagons had derailed, significantly damaging points, crossings, level crossing equipment, and overhead wiring stanchions.
At about the same time, the crew of an Aurizon coal train, travelling on the parallel track in the opposite direction, noticed a cloud of dust emanating from the freight train, and began to apply their own emergency brake.
“The coal train collided with a container from the freight train which was fouling the opposite track,” ATSB director transport safety Kerri Hughes said.
“Fortunately, the coal train stopped before reaching the main portion of the freight train wreckage, at the Bills Road level crossing.”
The coal train sustained impact damage on the driver’s side of the cabin. No injuries were reported in the accident.
Investigators from the ATSB attended the accident site and found an axle from the sixth wagon had fractured.
“This correlated with marks found on the rail head at the point of derailment,” Ms Hughes said.
Along with site inspections, investigators have so far interviewed the crew of both trains, received evidential material including recorded data, and conducted a detailed examination of rolling stock components.
“This preliminary report summarises information from the early evidence-gathering phase of its investigation into the derailment, and as such contains no analysis or findings, which will be presented in a final report,” Ms Hughes said.
“As the investigation progresses, the ATSB will continue a detailed material analysis of specific rolling stock components, as well as examining maintenance records, procedures and practices.”
Investigators also plan to review similar occurrences and any other relevant evidential material available before preparing a final report for release at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely action can be taken,” Ms Hughes said.
