Preliminary report
Preliminary report released 2011
The information contained in this Preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and is derived from the ongoing investigation of the occurrence. Readers are cautioned that new evidence will become available as the investigation progresses that will enhance the ATSB's understanding of the accident as outlined in this Preliminary report. As such, no analysis or findings are included in this report.
Abstract
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.
Final report
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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | RO-2010-012 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/11/2010 |
| Location | near Cadney Park |
| State | South Australia |
| Report release date | 20/12/2011 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| 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 4DA2 |
|---|---|
| Type of operation | Freight train |
| Rail vehicle sector | Freight |
| Departure point | Darwin, NT |
| Destination | Adelaide, SA |
| Train damage | Nil |