Recovery works are underway following a freight train derailment on the East West rail corridor north of Port Pirie, South Australia, with crane equipment and heavy machinery now on site.
The derailment occurred at approximately 5:40pm (ACST) yesterday, with 11 wagons partially derailed.
There were no injuries to the train crew. Emergency services attended the scene, and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) released the site this morning, enabling recovery works to proceed.
Conditions for crews on the ground remain challenging due to extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-forties over the coming days. These conditions are expected to affect the pace of recovery works.
In parallel, ARTC is mobilising rail, sleepers and additional machinery in preparation for rebuilding the track once the derailed rolling stock has been removed.
Network operations remain suspended for all rail services travelling between Sydney and Perth, Melbourne and Perth, and Adelaide and Darwin.
At this stage, the current estimate for a return to service is Saturday evening, 10 January, subject to recovery progress and safety requirements.
Safety remains the priority as work continues to restore the rail line to service. Members of the public are asked not to approach the site.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation, and ARTC will continue to work closely with the train operator and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
