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It was preserved as a record on September 10; the timeline below shows how it unfolded, with sources. Get the briefing to follow the top situations still developing: three emails a week, sourced and in order.

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2 clusters · 9 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated

Pacific National rail incidents in Upper Hunter

Overview

In late July 2026, an unmanned, fully-laden Pacific National coal locomotive traveled approximately two kilometers downhill near Singleton in the Upper Hunter region before stopping at Nundah Bank. While no injuries or derailments were reported during this initial incident, the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator opened an investigation. Transport advocates, including Sylvia Duong of the North Sydney Transport Association, called for stricter operational requirements regarding crew members exiting locomotives.

Less than two weeks later, a second incident occurred involving Pacific National when a coal train derailed at the Ardglen Loop between Scone and Tamworth. The Australian Rail Track Corporation reported that the lead wheel of the loaded train came off the tracks. The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator is investigating these consecutive incidents as the North Sydney Transport Association continues to urge the company to strengthen safety procedures.

Entities

Pacific National · Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator · Australian Rail Track Corporation · Upper Hunter · Sylvia Duong

Timeline

  1. about 1 month ago

    [CRIME] 9 sources
    Pacific National coal train derails in Upper Hunter

    A Pacific National coal train derailed at Ardglen Loop in the Upper Hunter, following a runaway train incident by the same company less than two weeks ago.

  2. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    Pacific National runaway coal train investigated after Upper Hunter incident

    A runaway Pacific National coal train travelled 2 km near Singleton, Upper Hunter, stopped safely with no injuries. Regulators are investigating and safety advocates call for stricter crew rules.

Sources

fishvessel.org · gleninnesexaminer.com.au · gloucesteradvocate.com.au · inverelltimes.com.au · lakesmail.com.au · muswellbrookchronicle.com.au · northerndailyleader.com.au · nvi.com.au · singletonargus.com.au