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29 February 2008 - Thunderstorm possible cause for train derailment
Media Release
2008/09
Thunderstorm possible cause for train derailment
29 February 2008
The ATSB has found that strong winds during a thunderstorm could
have caused a train derailment in central South Australia.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has today released its
final report into the investigation of a freight train derailment
near Tarcoola in South Australia on 1 November 2006.
The FreightLink train, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide,
derailed during a thunderstorm about five kilometres east of
Tarcoola. Freight wagons in the middle of the train appeared to
have 'tipped over' while the train was travelling at about 67km/h
in a severe thunderstorm and there was no evidence of any track or
train defect that could have caused the derailment.
The investigation established that it was possible that the
combined effects of strong winds at the time and the wagons'
natural oscillations while travelling could have been sufficient to
initiate overturning of the wagons lightly loaded with double
stacked freight containers.
In the interests of enhancing future rail safety, FreightLink
has been proactive in adopting a number of measures to address the
safety issues identified by the ATSB and the ATSB has recommended
that further action be considered.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at www.atsb.gov.au or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning
1800 020 616.
Media Contact: 1800 020 616
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