UPDATE: SEP 27
The Hunter rail line will be closed through the long weekend as the investigation into a coal train collision and removal of damaged trains takes place.
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Australian Rail Track Corporation said on Thursday afternoon the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Office of Transport Safety Investigations were examining the incident and a delay was expected to reopen the line after Wednesday’s incident.
“The site remains quarantined during this time,” an ARTC spokesperson said.
“The current focus is to ensure as much planning, logistics and materials preparation to mobilise the site is done to enable recovery of the locomotives and wagons, and prepare repairs to the track as safely and quickly as possible.
“At this stage, track and signalling repairs are likely to take place through the long weekend, subject to further assessment of the site once it is handed back to ARTC.”
A spokesperson for NSW TrainLink said: “Buses are replacing Hunter Line trains between Singleton and Scone”.
“We encourage customers to allow extra travel time, listen to announcements and check indicator boards,” the spokesperson said.
“Our regional XPLORER trains are continuing to operate between Moree/Armidale and Muswellbrook, with customers connecting to coaches for the leg between Muswellbrook and Sydney. We are working to contact customers on booked services to let them know about these changes.
“We thank our customers for their patience while we wait for the line to reopen.”
EARLIER REPORT
Buses are replacing trains between Singleton and Scone on the Hunter rail line after a coal train derailment between Singleton and Muswellbrook.
Australian Rail Track Corporation confirmed an incident occurred on its Hunter Valley rail network at about 12.25pm on Wednesday.
“Wagons from a coal train have derailed (these have largely remained upright) and another coal train running in the opposing direction has struck these resulting in damage to the locomotive,” an ARTC spokesman said.
“Some wagons are on their side. There have been no injuries reported.
“Track damage has occurred, and repairs will be required, but the extent of these will be subject to further investigation as well as recovery and removal of the wagons and locomotives.”
A spokesperson for Aurizon confirmed one of its locomotives was involved, however “no one was injured”.
“Aurizon can confirm that an empty coal train was involved in an incident at approximately 12.25pm today between Muswellbrook and Singleton, which resulted in damage to the locomotive,” the spokesperson said.
ARTC is unsure of when the line will begin re-operating.
The NSW Office of Transport Safety Investigations is examining the incident.
Transport for NSW was advising passengers to allow extra travel time, listen to announcements and check indicator boards for travel on the Hunter line.
Buses are replacing trains between Singleton and Scone.
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