Pacific National coal train derails in Upper Hunter

A Pacific National coal train derailed at the Ardglen Loop in the Upper Hunter region on Monday. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) reported that the lead wheel of the loaded train came off the tracks on the line between Scone and Tamworth, north of Murrurundi.

This incident occurred less than two weeks after a separate runaway train incident involving Pacific National on July 25. In that previous event, a 10,000-tonne train traveled approximately 10 kilometers after a braking system fault, nearly resulting in a head-on collision with a passenger service.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is involved in investigations following these consecutive incidents. The North Sydney Transport Association has previously called for Pacific National to strengthen its safety procedures and operational requirements.