Investigation number
RO-2023-001
Occurrence date
Location
near Marmor
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Preliminary
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Examination and analysis
Investigation status
Active
Anticipated completion

The occurrence

On 29 January 2023, at about 1910 local time, a Pacific National freight train, 82P7, was travelling at about 100 km/h west on the down line near Marmor, Queensland. As the train approached the Bills Road[1] level crossing, the leading wheel set on the third bogie of the sixth wagon derailed. The derailed wheel set collapsed into the centre of the track and travelled in the derailed condition over the points, crossings, and Bills Road level crossing.

As the train had approached the level crossing, the driver applied the throttle. The driver reported that the train did not respond as expected and noted a slight drag. The driver stated they checked the locomotive mirrors, noticed sparks coming from the train, and subsequently the emergency brake applied. At 1910:33, as the train was slowing, the driver broadcast an emergency call over the ultra‑high frequency (UHF) radio. The train stopped about 1,113 m from the point of derailment. Several multi-pack wagons from train 82P7 had derailed, significantly damaging points, crossings, level crossing equipment, and overhead wiring stanchions (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Main wreckage site of train 82P7

Main wreckage site of train 82P7

Source: ATSB

At about the same time as, or just prior to, the emergency call, the network controller located in Rockhampton, called Aurizon coal train 9F02 (travelling on the up line) via UHF radio about a loss of signalling detection at the points near the Bills Road level crossing. Around this time, the crew noticed a cloud of dust emanating from a train on the down line. The driver began to apply the emergency brake but collided with a container attached to a derailed wagon on train 82P7 fouling the up line. The train stopped short of the main wreckage of train 82P7, located at the Bills Road level crossing.

Train 9F02 sustained significant impact damage to the driver’s side of the cabin. Skidding impact damage was also evident along the side of the train (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Damage to leading locomotive of train 9F02

Figure 2: Damage to leading locomotive of train 9F02

Source: ATSB

During on-site inspections, the ATSB found an axle from the sixth wagon (RNCY137-T) had fractured (Figure 3). This evidence correlated with rail wheel field-side[2] marks found on the rail head, identified as the point of derailment. The marks commenced on the field-side of the rail head and ran inwards towards the rail gauge face between both rails (Figure 4). There was no other evidence of derailment found on the approach to the point of derailment.

Figure 3: Damaged bogie showing half of the fractured axle half in-situ

Figure 3: Damaged bogie showing half of the fractured axle half in-situ

Source: ATSB

Figure 4: Wheel marks identified at the point of derailment

Figure 4: Wheel marks identified at the point of derailment

Source: ATSB

Further investigation

To date, the ATSB has:

  • attended and completed site inspections
  • interviewed the crew of both trains
  • received evidential material including recorded data
  • conducted a detailed examination of rolling stock components.

The investigation is continuing and will include:

  • detailed material analysis of specific rolling stock components
  • detailed examination of maintenance records, procedures, and practices
  • similar occurrences
  • other relevant evidential material.

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau

About the ATSB

The ATSB is an independent Commonwealth Government statutory agency. It is governed by a Commission and is entirely separate from transport regulators, policy makers and service providers.

The ATSB’s purpose is to improve the safety of, and public confidence in, aviation, rail and marine transport through:

  • independent investigation of transport accidents and other safety occurrences
  • safety data recording, analysis and research
  • fostering safety awareness, knowledge and action.

The ATSB is responsible for investigating accidents and other transport safety matters involving civil aviation, marine and rail operations in Australia, as well as participating in overseas investigations involving Australian-registered aircraft and ships. It prioritises investigations that have the potential to deliver the greatest public benefit through improvements to transport safety.

The ATSB performs its functions in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and Regulations and, where applicable, international agreements.

Purpose of safety investigations

The objective of a safety investigation is to enhance transport safety. This is done through:

  • identifying safety issues and facilitating safety action to address those issues
  • providing information about occurrences and their associated safety factors to facilitate learning within the transport industry.

It is not a function of the ATSB to apportion blame or provide a means for determining liability. At the same time, an investigation report must include factual material of sufficient weight to support the analysis and findings. At all times the ATSB endeavours to balance the use of material that could imply adverse comment with the need to properly explain what happened, and why, in a fair and unbiased manner. The ATSB does not investigate for the purpose of taking administrative, regulatory or criminal action.

Terminology

An explanation of terminology used in ATSB investigation reports is available on the ATSB website. This includes terms such as occurrence, contributing factor, other factor that increased risk, and safety issue.

 


[1]     The Bills Road level crossing is identified as Toonda Road by the track operator Aurizon.

[2]     The side of the rail opposite the gauge face (the inner side of the running rail head).

Train Details
Train number
82P7
Rail vehicle sector
Freight
Train damage
Substantial
Departure point
Moolabin Yard, Queensland
Rail occurrence type
Derailment
Destination
Townsville, Queensland
Rail Operator
Pacific National
Rail Operation Type
Freight
Train Details
Train number
9F02
Rail vehicle sector
Freight
Train damage
Substantial
Departure point
Blackwater coal system, Queensland
Rail occurrence type
Derailment
Destination
Callemondah (Gladstone), Queensland
Rail Operator
Aurizon
Rail Operation Type
Coal