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.