Preliminary report
Preliminary report released 28 June 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 1308 on 28 March 2011 a collision involving freight train 7SP3 and a track mounted excavator occurred near Jaurdi, Western Australia.
The train driver sustained a minor injury. There was significant damage to the lead locomotive and the excavator, and minor damage to the track as a result of the incident.
Final report
Abstract
At about 1308 on 28 March 2011 a collision involving freight train 7SP3 and a track mounted excavator occurred between Jaurdi and Darrine, Western Australia.
The train driver sustained a minor injury. There was significant damage to the lead locomotive and the excavator, and minor damage to the track as a result of the accident.
The investigation found that two track mounted excavators had been placed back on the track without permission of the Authorised Employee responsible for the coordination of track side safeworking activities between Jaurdi and Darrine. Other findings were that the communication equipment available to the track crews was inadequate, the sharing of safeworking protection information at pre-work briefings had not occurred and the application of a WestNet Rule had been simplified.
The investigation identified three safety issues, each of which has been addressed, as applicable, by the track access provider or track maintenance organisation.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | RO-2011-006 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 28/03/2011 |
| Location | near Jaurdi |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 04/04/2012 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Rail |
| Rail occurrence category | Collision |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Train details
| Train number | Train 7SP3 |
|---|---|
| Type of operation | Freight |
| Departure point | Sydney, NSW |
| Destination | Perth, WA |