Derailment of train 6MP9, near Bates, South Australia, on 10 June 2007

RO-2007-004

Final report

At about 00401 on Sunday 10 June 2007, westbound freight train 6MP9 derailed at the 716.7 km mark2 near Bates in SA.

There were no injuries as a result of the derailment, however, there was significant damage to the track and rollingstock. Of 10 wagons that separated from the train, four overturned.

The investigation found that a broken rail, emanating from a transverse rail defect, had probably caused the derailment.

1 The 24-hour clock is used in this report to describe the local time of day, Central Standard Time (CST).

2 Distance in kilometres from a track reference point located at Coonamia in SA.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number RO-2007-004
Occurrence date 10/06/2007
Location near Bates
State South Australia
Report release date 22/02/2008
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Rail
Rail occurrence category Derailment
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Train details

Train number Train 6MP9
Type of operation Freight Train
Departure point Melbourne, Vic
Destination Perth, WA
Train damage Substantial