A critical section of the East West rail corridor has reopened following a 97-hour operation to recover derailed wagons and restore the track after a train derailment north of Port Pirie, South Australia. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) confirmed that services from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Perth, and Adelaide to Darwin are now back online.
Emergency services were called to the scene between Port Augusta and Port Pirie at approximately 5:40pm on Tuesday, January 6. No injuries were reported, and 11 wagons became partially derailed. The ARTC spokesperson described the recovery as a complex operation conducted in challenging weather conditions, with crews facing scorching temperatures, including a record 46.3 degrees Celsius in nearby Port Augusta on January 7.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, with the ARTC working closely with the train operator and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR). The ONRSR is gathering information and documentation from rail transport operators but declined further comment at this time.
SA Freight Council chief executive Jonathon Wilson noted that the timing of the incident, occurring after the Christmas period, helped minimize the impact on deliveries. He commended crews for their efficiency and safety focus in extreme conditions, emphasizing the importance of freight networks to Australia's lifestyle and economy. Wilson also highlighted the need to address climatic constraints to mitigate future risks.
