An investigation has commenced into a fatality on board the lead locomotive of train no. 4MB9 near Cullerin, New South Wales (NSW), on 25 August 2022.
On the afternoon of 25 August 2022, two SCT locomotives were hauling a containerised freight train north of Yass, NSW, en route to Bromelton, Queensland. For reasons not yet determined, while the train was still moving the driver left the driving cabin. After an extended period the driver's assistant stopped the train and left the driving cabin to ascertain the driver's whereabouts.
Shortly afterwards, the driver's assistant found the driver unresponsive on the locomotive footplate, having sustained fatal injuries.
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 (Cwlth). OTSI investigators have started collecting evidence from involved parties.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, OTSI and the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.