Rail safety investigations & reports
Safeworking irregularity and near miss with crew of train 5936 at Hawkesbury River, New South Wales on 8 January 2021
RO-2021-002

Summary
The ATSB is investigating a safeworking irregularity and near miss with crew of train 5936 at Hawkesbury River, New South Wales, on 8 January 2021.
At approximately 0415 on 8 January 2021, a near miss occurred at the Hawkesbury River siding when a Pacific National freight service 5936 requested to propel into the siding from the Up Main line. A block was placed on the adjacent Down Main line and a train crew member moved to the rear to assist. The driver advised the signaller that they were ready to proceed and the signaller allowed a NSW Trains passenger service 247B to pass. The crew member was still on the track and had to take action to avoid the approaching train.
This investigation is being led by the NSW Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI). OTSI conducts rail investigations in NSW on behalf of the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003. Investigators have commenced collecting evidence from involved parties.
Should any safety critical information be discovered at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify operators and regulators so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.
A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
General details
Date: | 08 January 2021 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
Time: | 0415 AEDT | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | Hawkesbury River | Investigation phase: | Evidence collection | ||
State: | New South Wales | ||||
Occurrence category: | Incident | ||||
Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | Minor | ||
Anticipated completion: | 3rd Quarter 2021 |
Train 1 details
Line operator | Sydney Trains | |
---|---|---|
Train operator | Pacific National | |
Train registration | 5936 | |
Type of operation | Freight | |
Sector | Freight | |
Damage to train | Nil | |
Departure point | Moree, NSW | |
Destination | Nowra, NSW |
Train 2 details
Line operator | Sydney Trains | |
---|---|---|
Train operator | NSW Trains | |
Train registration | 247B | |
Type of operation | Passenger | |
Sector | Passenger - regional | |
Damage to train | Nil | |
Departure point | Gosford, NSW | |
Destination | Central, NSW |