Investigation number
RO-2010-012
Occurrence date
Location
near Cadney Park
State
South Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

Abstract

At about 0618 on Thursday 25 November 2010, freight train (4DA2) operated by FreightLink Pty Ltd derailed on the Central-Australia Railway line, near the 826 km mark, about 5 km south of Cadney Park in South Australia.

There were no injuries as a result of the derailment but there was significant damage to rolling stock and about 300 m of track required replacement.

The investigation determined that a severe weather event, very strong winds associated with thunderstorm activity, were of a sufficient magnitude to initiate the rollover and subsequent derailment of a group of lightly loaded double-stacked container wagons.

A number of minor safety issues were identified as a result of the investigation and have been brought to the attention of Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd (GWA). These issues primarily relate to the wind effect on lightly loaded/high vehicles (particularly double-stacked containers) and the identification of and response to severe weather events.

Train Details
Train number
Train 4DA2
Rail vehicle sector
Freight
Train damage
Nil
Departure point
Darwin, NT
Rail occurrence category
Derailment
Destination
Adelaide, SA
Rail Operation Type
Freight train