This investigation, undertaken by OTSI under a Collaboration Agreement with the ATSB, was discontinued.
What happened
At 0325 Eastern Daylight-savings Time on 6 February 2019, a Pacific National loaded coal train, MR280, travelling from Moolarben to Kooragang Coal Terminal, derailed near Baerami on the Ulan branch line on the Hunter Valley Network. All wheels of the leading bogie of the 88th wagon derailed and travelled in a derailed state for approximately 1.83 km. As the derailed train reached the points of the Baerami crossing loop, another five wagons derailed and three wagons rolled on their side, narrowly missing a stationary empty coal train UL369.
Discontinuation
It was considered that the contributing factors to the derailment were a result of individual actions, where personnel had not executed the intent of the ARTC code of practice and/or had not followed procedures as required.
Due to the safety actions taken by ARTC, OTSI and the ATSB considered it was unlikely that further investigation would identify any systemic safety issues or further important safety lessons for the enhancement of transport safety.
Click on the button for more details of the investigation and discontinuation.