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The first stages of train wagon recovery are underway following the derailment of a coal train service just south of Boggabri on Wednesday afternoon, an ARTC spokesperson said today.
The site was handed back from the safety regulators (ITSR and OTSI) late yesterday afternoon, and ARTC is currently working with the rail operator to ensure the site is safe for recovery efforts of the derailed coal wagons to begin.
“Safety remains our priority. The bridge has extensive damage and removing the wagons is not a simple task as a number are loaded with coal and some clean-up of the site is required,” the ARTC spokesperson said.
“These factors all present additional issues during the recovery phase.
“Crane experts have also been called in to provide advice on the recovery requirements,” the spokesperson said.
On Thursday evening the train’s locomotives and 65 wagons were removed from the site.
“Given the scale of the recovery job and track repairs required there still remains no forecast for returning the track to service, but it will be some time,” the spokesperson said.