A train derailment at Bayswater Station on Monday afternoon caused severe delays and cancellations across multiple Perth train lines during peak travel time. The incident occurred around 3:30pm when a passenger carriage partially came off the tracks, forcing the closure of the Ellenbrook, Midland, and airport lines, with disruptions also reported on the Fremantle line.
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated. An investigation into the cause of the derailment pointed to human error, according to PTA operations manager Murray Rowe. He stated that the driver apparently did not hear a signal, causing the train to traverse a set of points that were turning at the same time, leading to the derailment.
Replacement buses were organized for affected passengers on Monday. By Tuesday morning, all train lines had reopened, though the PTA warned that delays might still occur due to a separate technical issue on the Mandurah and Ellenbrook lines.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the incident as regrettable but noted that the systems in place prevented significant damage and injuries. She confirmed that discussions would be held with the train driver to determine exactly what happened.
