Investigation number
RO-2023-007
Occurrence date
Location
Near Fairfield Station
State
Queensland
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Internal review
Investigation status
Active
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion

The ATSB is investigating a collision between an Aurizon freight train and an excavator on the dual gauge line near Fairfield Station, Queensland, on 15 July 2023.

In order to undertake track maintenance work on the Beenleigh line, the line had been closed to suburban passenger trains for the weekend and closed to freight trains on the dual gauge line between 0600 and 1800. The track closure for freight operations was handed back to the network control officer at about 1945, and at about 2000, train Y375 collided with an unmanned excavator. There were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the excavator and minor damage to the locomotive.

The final report has been drafted and is undergoing internal review to ensure the report adequately and accurately reflects the evidence collected, analysis, and agreed findings. 

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

Last Updated
Train Details
Train number
Y375
Rail vehicle sector
Freight
Train damage
Minor
Departure point
Fisherman’s Island
Rail occurrence category
Collision
Destination
Rockhampton
Rail Operator
Aurizon