A major incident involving a car and the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway has caused significant disruption across Cairns North, with emergency services rushing to the scene on Thursday morning.
Vehicle and Train Collide at Level Crossing
The collision occurred at the Grove Street level crossing in the suburb of Parramatta Park just before 9am on Thursday, 16 May 2024. Queensland Police confirmed they were responding to reports that a car and the Kuranda Railway train had collided at the crossing.
Initial reports from the scene indicate the vehicle was significantly damaged in the impact. Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics assessed one person at the location. A QAS spokesperson stated that, fortunately, no one required transport to hospital following the crash.
Widespread Traffic Chaos and Rail Suspension
The incident triggered immediate and extensive road closures, creating a ripple effect of congestion throughout the northern parts of the city. Police closed Grove Street between Aumuller and Minnie Streets, a key local thoroughfare.
The disruption spread to several other major roads as traffic was diverted. Motorists faced delays on:
- The Captain Cook Highway
- Sheridan Street
- Other connecting routes in the area
Authorities urged drivers to completely avoid the vicinity if possible and to expect considerable delays if travel through Cairns North was essential.
In addition to the road chaos, rail services were severely impacted. A Queensland Rail spokesperson confirmed that all services on the Kuranda Scenic Railway line were suspended following the collision. Recovery operations were underway to clear the scene and assess any damage to the rail infrastructure.
Investigation Underway and Community Impact
Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the exact circumstances that led to the collision at the level crossing. Forensic Crash Unit officers were expected to examine the scene.
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution at level crossings, particularly in urban areas. The disruption affected not only commuters and residents but also tourists booked on the popular scenic railway journey, a major attraction linking Cairns with the rainforest village of Kuranda.
While there were no serious physical injuries reported, the incident caused significant logistical headaches across the region. Emergency services, including police and rail crews, worked diligently to manage the scene, restore normal traffic flow, and resume rail operations as quickly and safely as possible.
