Freight Rail, Safety, Standards & Regulation

ATSB to probe Rio collision

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate a collision between an empty ore train and rail wagons on Rio Tinto’s rail system at Andoom, near Weipa, Queensland.

At 9.30am on September 22 an empty ore train collided with rail wagons that were being loaded with bauxite at the Andoom mine, roughly 20 kilometres north of Weipa.

According to the Bureau’s preliminary summary, the collision resulted in minor injuries to the train’s driver, who was taken to Weipa hospital.

The train’s locomotive and four ore wagons were extensively damaged.

As part of its investigation, the ATSB will review locomotive data logger information and interview the train’s driver, along with other personnel.

It expects to produce a final report in the third quarter of 2020.

“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue,” the Bureau concluded.