Black Mountain derailment
Final report on derailment of coal train EG37, Connors Range, Black Mountain on 1 July 2001 (PDF, 697 KB) The report is also available as two smaller documents:
On 1 July 2001, loaded coal train EG37 derailed on Connors Range causing A$21 million damage to rolling stock and infrastructure. The accident resulted in the derailment of 75 wagons and two electric locomotives and caused extensive damage to about 500 metres of track and overhead wiring. There were no injuries resulting from the accident.
The accident investigation determined that an extended loss of Locotrol radio signal at the top of the range and the failure of the back-up safety mechanism in the train brake system caused the derailment. The brake system failure was due to a stray O-ring lodged in the seat of the cut off portion of the brake pipe control valve. The braking of the train was reduced to less than half its normal capacity. This was insufficient to allow the driver to control the speed of the train down the range.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads acknowledges the efforts of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for chairing the panel and Queensland Rail for their professionalism and unlimited provision of technical expertise.
