At about 0153 on 9 December 2010 an Up (northbound) loaded grain train travelling from Barellan, New South Wales (NSW) to Maldon, NSW and numbered as 3234N, collided at low speed with the rear of another Up (northbound) loaded grain train, numbered as 8922N, on the Down Main line at Yass Junction, NSW. The intended operation had been for both trains to wait, one behind the other, on the Down Main line at Yass Junction to enable a third northbound goods train, 4MB2, to pass them both on the adjacent Up Main line.

Train 3234N proceeded as intended past a signal which indicated that the route was not clear and that the train should proceed at caution. Train 3234N braked as soon as train 8922N was sighted but a collision nevertheless ensued. The investigation highlighted that the definition of restricted speed applying in these sorts of cases requires considerable judgement on the part of train drivers.

Preliminary report released 29 March 2011

At about 0153 on 9 December 2010 an Up (northbound) loaded grain train travelling from Barellan, New South Wales (NSW) to Maldon, NSW and numbered as 3234, collided at low speed with the rear of another Up (northbound) loaded grain train, numbered as 8922, on the Down2 Main line at Yass Junction, NSW. The intended operation had been for both trains to wait, one behind the other, on the Down Main line at Yass Junction to enable a third northbound goods train, 4MB2, to pass them both on the adjacent Up Main line.

On 25 May 2011, the draft ATSB investigation report into the incident was provided to directly involved parties for comment. The directly involved parties were asked to provide a submission addressing the report. All submissions will be considered before the report is finalised for public release