Pacific National runaway coal train investigated after Upper Hunter incident

A fully‑laden, unmanned Pacific National locomotive travelled downhill for about two kilometres near Singleton in the Upper Hunter region before stopping at Nundah Bank early Saturday. No injuries, collision or derailment were reported.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator has opened an investigation, and the rail corridor was temporarily closed while evidence was gathered. Pacific National notified the regulator and the Australian Rail Track Corporation. Transport advocates, including Sylvia Duong of the North Sydney Transport Association, are urging stricter operational requirements to prevent crew members from exiting locomotives without another authorised person present.