Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said:
Queensland Rail is mourning the loss of an employee who passed earlier today. The employee was one of three Queensland Rail employees involved in a collision between a light engine locomotive and coal train at Westwood, west of Rockhampton this morning (18 June 2021).
The incident occurred at approximately 11:20am when the locomotive, with three Queensland Rail drivers on board, and a coal train collided approximately 80 kilometres west of Rockhampton on the Aurizon network.
One driver has non-life threatening injuries and is being treated in hospital. A second driver has sustained multiple injuries and is being treated in hospital. A third driver was confirmed deceased at the scene.
We are deeply saddened and distressed by the incident and our priority is the welfare of our people and the families of the drivers involved.
Queensland Rail is grateful for the efforts of Queensland Emergency Services personnel and the Aurizon team who attended the scene.
Given the nature of the incident, it is not appropriate to comment or speculate further on the potential cause.
Queensland Rail has notified the Rail Safety Regulator and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and will be cooperating fully with all investigations.
