Freight Rail, Safety, Standards & Regulation

Investigation underway into Pacific National freight derailment

Pacific National - Creative Commons Marcus Wong

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has opened an investigation into the derailment of a freight train in Narwonah in New South Wales.

The Pacific National freight service – consisting of 2 locomotives and 23 wagons loaded with wheat –  was travelling south on a single line between Narromine and Parkes during the late morning of October 2 when 11 wagons derailed.

Wagons 12 to 22 derailed, 9 of which fell on to their side and sustained substantial damage. Track infrastructure was also seriously damaged in the incident, but no injuries were sustained.

Officers from the NSW Office of Transport Safety Investigations are undertaking the investigation, and have commenced collecting evidence and statements from involved parties.

The final report on the investigation findings is expected to be completed by June 2018.