V/Line's 18:40 train service from Southern Cross Station to Warrnambool, derailed at Cobden-Stoney Ford Road level crossing last night, after hitting three large trees that had fallen across the track in local high winds.
In the derailment the first locomotive engine carrying the drivers, came off the track and fell on its side. The five passenger carriages and the second engine also derailed, but remained upright.
“We are thankful there have been no serious injuries to the four crew or the 71 customers on board”, said Rob Barnett, V/Line’s Chief Executive Officer.
V/Line’s two train drivers and one customer were taken to Camperdown Hospital for observation and treatment for minor injuries. The train drivers were released later last night.
The accident happened at 20:50, approximately 20 kilometres between Colac and Camperdown.
Site recovery
Today V/Line will mobilise resources to start the significant effort to recover the site.
“At this point we estimate the recovery will take several days,” said Mr Barnett.
“Access to the site is difficult and we will need to build roads and lifting pads so that we can clear the track safely. Currently we are undertaking a site assessment to determine the best approach. We will not know the full damage to the track until it is cleared.”
The site recovery will involve cleaning up the diesel spill that happened as a result of the accident.
Investigations
V/Line will undertake its own review into the incident and will fully cooperate with the independent investigation already underway by PTSV (Public Transport Safety Victoria) and OCI (Office of the Chief Investigator).
“Thorough investigations are critical to understanding the source of any incident on our network. However, initial reports indicate that high local winds contributed to the large Cypress pine trees from an adjoining property falling on to the track,” said Mr Barnett.
V/Line actively manages the vegetation on the rail reserve and there has been ongoing vegetation clearing on the area in recent months.
Today's services
Services to and from Warrnambool will be disrupted until further notice.
Road coaches will run between Geelong and Warrnambool and connect with trains operating between Melbourne and Geelong. Passengers are advised to allow an extra 40 minutes for their journey.
For more information, please contact V/Line on 136 196 or check out service details at vline.com.au
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