Rail safety investigations & reports
Derailment of Pacific National freight train 4MC2, and collision with V/Line train, at Barnawartha, Victoria, on 29 January 2020
RO-2020-001

Summary
The ATSB is investigating a Pacific National train derailment and subsequent collision with a V/Line train at Barnawartha, Victoria, on 29 January 2020.
At approximately 1742 AEDT on 29 January 2020, a north bound Pacific National freight train had several wagons derail bringing the train to a halt in the township of Barnawartha, Vic. Shortly after a V/Line loco hauled passenger service, travelling from Albury to Melbourne on an adjacent track, struck a container from a derailed wagon from the derailed PN train. Seventeen passengers and three crew were assessed by ambulance services and no injuries occurred.
This investigation is being led by the Office of the Chief Investigator Transport Safety Victoria (CITS). CITS conducts rail investigations in Victoria on behalf of the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
As part of the investigation, the ATSB will examine the track, wagons, communications, and conduct interviews with relevant personel.
A final report will be released at the end of the investigation.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.
General details
Date: | 29 January 2020 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
Time: | 1742 AEDT | Investigation level: | Defined - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | Barnawartha | Investigation phase: | Final report: Drafting | ||
State: | Victoria | ||||
Occurrence category: | Accident | ||||
Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | None | ||
Anticipated completion: | 3rd Quarter 2021 |
Train 1 details
Line operator | Australian Rail Track Corporation | |
---|---|---|
Train operator | Pacific National | |
Train registration | 4MC2 | |
Type of operation | Freight service | |
Sector | Freight | |
Damage to train | Substantial | |
Departure point | Melbourne, Victoria |
Train 2 details
Line operator | Australian Rail Track Corporation | |
---|---|---|
Train operator | V/Line | |
Train registration | 8630 | |
Type of operation | Passenger service | |
Sector | Passenger - regional | |
Damage to train | Minor | |
Departure point | Albury, New South Wales | |
Destination | Melbourne, Victoria |