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.”

The incident has been reported to independent transport safety investigators and the incident site is currently quarantined.

ARTC is unsure of when the line will begin re-operating. 

Transport for NSW is advising regional train delays on its Sydney to Armidale XPLORER service and Moree to Sydney XPLORER service. 

Passengers on those trains, which are stopped at Singleton and Muswellbrook, are expected be bused between the two stations and placed on the opposite train to continue to their destinations. 

Transport for NSW is 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. 

Extensive delays are expected.