Derailment of freight train 82P7 and subsequent collision with coal train 9F02, near Marmor, Queensland, on 29 January 2023

This preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase, and has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public. Preliminary reports contain no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the investigation’s final report. The information contained in this preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

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

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

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

Source: ATSB

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.