A FREIGHT train derailed in Victoria on Monday morning (14 November) leaving a pile-up of damaged shipping containers on the tracks.
The incident occurred between Inverleigh and Gheringhap (30 kilometres west of Geelong) at around 0530 on Monday. Victoria was experiencing severe weather and heavy rainfall at the time.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the derailment involved a number of wagons from a mixed freight train from the main line west of Geelong.
The incident caused damage to wagons and track infrastructure. The Melbourne-Adelaide rail corridor has been closed as a result.
“The service derailed with containers displaced on both sides of the track and some within an adjoining paddock,” an Australian Rail Track Corporation representative said.
“There were no injuries to the train crew and there were no dangerous good containers impacted by the incident.”
ARTC said it has notified affected customers of the track closure, and is working with customers on a recovery plan.
It said ARTC response crews were on site on Monday, with emergency services also in attendance.
“The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator has been notified and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has taken control of the site,” the ARTC representative said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into the derailment.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (CITS) will conduct the investigation on behalf of the ATSB.
“CITS has deployed a team of transport safety investigators with experience in railway operations, maintenance and engineering to the accident site, to begin the evidence collection phase of the investigation,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Investigators will survey the site and collect any relevant components for further examination and analysis.
“They will also obtain and review any recorded data, weather information, witness reports, and relevant train and track operator records.”
Mr Mitchell said a final report detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The ATSB said no injuries were reported.
