Rail safety investigations & reports
Derailment of freight train 4DA2 near Cadney Park, South Australia, 25 November 2010
RO-2010-012
Summary
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.
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Preliminary
At about 0618 on Thursday 25 November 2010, freight train 4DA2, operated by FreightLink Pty Ltd, derailed on the Central Australian Railway line just 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 renewal.
Safety Issues
Effects of wind load on rail wagons
Double stacked container wagons are at particular risk of wind induced roll-over. This is a direct relationship of exposed side area, and was therefore probably exacerbated by out of gauge/high loads on some wagons with a large surface area exposed to the gust front.
| Issue number: | RO-2010-012-SI-01 |
|---|---|
| Who it affects: | All rail operators |
| Status: | Adequately addressed |
Identification of severe weather events
Train drivers receive no formal training with respect to understanding severe weather events, the associated derailment risk and mitigation strategies.
| Issue number: | RO-2010-012-SI-02 |
|---|---|
| Who it affects: | All rail operators |
| Status: | Adequately addressed |
General details
| Date: | 25 November 2010 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
| Time: | 0618 AEDT | Investigation level: | Complex - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
| Location (show map): | near Cadney Park | ||||
| State: | South Australia | ||||
| Release date: | 20 December 2011 | ||||
| Report status: | Final | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
| Highest injury level: | None |
Train details
| Train registration | Train 4DA2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of operation | Freight train | |
| Damage to train | Nil | |
| Departure point | Darwin, NT | |
| Destination | Adelaide, SA |