A 1.5-kilometre freight train derailed early this morning at Nana Glen, New South Wales, about 22 kilometres northwest of Coffs Harbour.
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Scott Dodson told DCN 18 carriages had derailed and one of two locomotives had come off the track, with the driver escaping with minor injuries.
“At 2:15 we received the first call to a train derailment,” Mr Dodson said.
“There is a large oil and diesel spill that we are working to clean up and prevent entering waterways; the train was carrying 15,000 litres of diesel and 1500 litres of motor oil.”
A statement from FRNSW said up to 8000 litres of diesel had leaked from one of the locomotives, and the train was carrying “dangerous goods”.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has initiated an investigation into the derailment.
“Multiple wagons of freight train 4BM4, which was travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne, derailed reportedly after encountering a track washout,” the ATSB said in a statement.
The investigation will be undertaken by the Office of Transport Safety Investigations, which conducts rail safety investigations in NSW on behalf of the ATSB.
The bureau will publish a report upon conclusion of the investigation.
