QRNational freight train derails in Sydney’s west

<p>A 24-wagon QRNational general freight train, travelling south from Sydney to Melbourne, derailed at Birrong, 22 km west of the Sydney CBD last night. </p> <p>One of two locomotives pulling the train flipped on its side at 10.45 pm, causing a fuel 6,000-litre tank to rupture, spilling diesel onto the tracks.</p> <p>The freight train was not carrying dangerous goods, a QR spokeswoman said. One locomotive was fully derailed while the second remained upright. </p> <p>The wagons and their cargo were not damaged and had been removed from the site, she said.</p> <p>The fire brigade contained the leak and declared the site safe. The drivers were not injured, but were taken to the local hospital for assessment. </p> <p>Minor delays were expected on the Bankstown, Inner West and South lines as commuter trains were slowed down around the derailment site.</p> <p>QR was conducting an investigation into the derailment, the spokeswoman said. </p> <p>New South Wales Government investigators were also onsite. </p> <p>QR would not speculate on the cause of the derailment until the investigations were completed.</p> <p>The recovery operation has already begun and, at this stage, it is expected repairs will be completed by the weekend.</p> <br />