Train derailment – Western line

TasRail has confirmed there has been a derailment on the Western Line at approximately 4:15am this morning. No one was injured in the incident.

TasRail crews are currently working to clear the site of the derailment. It is expected the Western Line will re-open later today.

The train was heading towards Burnie with a consignment of paper. Only 3 locos and the lead bogie on the first wagon were impacted by the derailment with all locos and wagons remaining upright.

TasRail CEO Damien White praised the driver for his handling of the situation.

“The quick response of our driver in ensuring that the train was brought to a controlled stop has meant that minimal damage to the train, freight and track was incurred,” Mr White said.

The derailment was immediately reported to the Rail Safety Regulator, and Australian Transport Safety Bureau and will be subject to a full internal investigation.

Mr White said TasRail is notifying customers impacted by the derailment. Services across the rest of the network remain unaffected.

“While it is disappointing the derailment has occurred, significant work to improve the safety and reliability of the track across TasRail’s network is ongoing.

Mr White stated that safety was one of TasRail’s core organisational values, and track management was a critical part of the rail revitalisation program.

“TasRail has made very real progress over the past three years to improve track condition” said Mr White.

“I’m frustrated at even a single derailment, but I am confident as we to roll out the concrete sleeper program, and remain vigilant with our program of track maintenance, these incidents will continue to decrease.”

About TasRail

TasRail is a State-owned Company, established on 1 December 2009 by an Act of the Tasmanian Parliament. The principal objectives of the business are set out in the Rail Company Act 2009 and require the Company to operate a rail business in Tasmania, effectively and efficiently and to operate its activities in accordance with sound commercial practice.

With a workforce of around 260 men and women, Tasmania’s current freight task is approximately 2.5 million tonnes per year – generating annual revenue in the order of $35 million. Since it was established, TasRail has spent $97.7 million purchasing goods and services from more than 900 Tasmanian Companies.

TasRail conservatively estimates that the freight it transports by rail each year effectively removes the equivalent of 100,000 B-Double truck movements from the State’s road network. Even after taking into account the total of TasRail’s reported annual carbon emissions (fuel and energy), this equates to a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of some 45,800 tonnes.

www.tasrail.com.au
TasRail CEO Damien White