Rail safety investigations & reports
Derailment of freight train 5MP5 near Keith, SA on 8 October 2010
RO-2010-010

Summary
At about 0415 on 8 October 2010, freight train 5MP5 travelling from Melbourne to Perth reported having derailed on the Defined Interstate Rail Network (DIRN) between Wirrega and Keith in South Australia.
No one was injured and there was only minor damage to rolling-stock during the derailment, however approximately 400 m of track required repairs before services could resume and 2900 concrete sleepers were subsequently replaced to restore track integrity.
It was established that the derailment was the result of a screwed journal on the 12th wagon (RQJW 22034D) in the consist behind the locomotives.
Photos
Safety Issues
RailBAM data
Examination of RailBAM® data established that under PN’s existing maintenance guidelines there was no requirement to take wagon RQJW 22034D out of service. However, inspection of the data showed that there was a growing/trending problem with the 2L axle-box.
Issue number: | RO-2010-010-SI-01 |
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Who it affects: | All rail operators |
Status: | Adequately addressed |
Wheel impact data
An examination of wheel impact (WILD) data established that under PN’s existing maintenance guidelines there was no requirement to take wagon RQJW 22034D out of service. However, running a trend analysis of WILD data clearly showed that there was a growing wheel impact problem.
Issue number: | RO-2010-010-SI-02 |
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Who it affects: | All rail operators |
Status: | Not addressed |
General details
Date: | 08 October 2010 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 0415 CDT | Investigation level: | Systemic - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | near Keith | ||||
State: | South Australia | ||||
Release date: | 28 September 2011 | Occurrence category: | Incident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Train details
Train registration | Train 5MP5 | |
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Type of operation | Freight train | |
Damage to train | Nil | |
Departure point | Melbourne, Vic. | |
Destination | Perth, WA |