Rail prang in West Oz

[aussiesteve]

G'day,
One driver is dead after a rear end collision north east of Perth at around 0200 this morning.
Limited info currently, but a following PN freight collided with the rear of a stationary grain train.
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...#tab_1_content
I am not familiar with the signalling system utilized in this dual gauge region of WA.
The prang has closed the main rail route to the east.
Steve.

[Beeyar Wunby]

Yo Steve.

A horrible thing to happen at any time of the year, but especially sad for a family to receive the news on Crimbo Eve.

It's easy to forget that this can be a dangerous job if you make a mistake.

I see from the investigators's map that this is near Geraldton. I seem to remember that that's where some of my POM colleagues were headed when they jumped ship. What are they hauling up there? Grain, coal, ore - anything else?

Cheers, BW

[aussiesteve]

G'day BW,
Jumperkine is in the Avon Valley where the dual gauge (narrow and standard) line follows the Swan River inland from Perth.
Long way from Geraldton.
http://sa-trackandsignal.net/?diagram=arci-wa-din#
http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf...ield/BR872.pdf
The second link should display the track and sigs diagram for Jumperkine crossing loop.
It be CTC using standard WA route sticks, being searchlight type.
From the limited images displayed in the press, there be another train parked adjacent to the pair amalgamated.
Not sure if this be actually at the crossing loop or nearby.
The third train appears to be compact containers which indicates an ore content.
This is the route of the Silver Streak.
PN NR80 GE thing is the smashed loco hauling the interstater in which the driver was killed.
YES, indeed sad at any time of year, but especially now.
I am not sure if the recent WA bush fires and smoke would have had any impact on this tragedy.
But, a trio of trains at the locations kinda indicates that something may have gone wrong.
I am guessing that the grain train may have been diverted into the dual direction crossing loop to permit the interstater to over take.
Will hafta await the ATSB incident report to glean all the info.
Steve.

[27vet]

Originally Posted by aussiesteve

G'day,
One driver is dead after a rear end collision north east of Perth at around 0200 this morning.
Limited info currently, but a following PN freight collided with the rear of a stationary grain train.
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...#tab_1_content
I am not familiar with the signalling system utilized in this dual gauge region of WA.
The prang has closed the main rail route to the east.
Steve.

That's horrible! R.I.P.

[aussiesteve]

G'day,
The ATSB have finally released a preliminary report into this Xmas eve prang in WA.
https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/577755...022_prelim.pdf
The info provided does hint at a possible cause for this prang.
But, until the final report is released, we won't know the full details.
The PN hogger out of barracks in Meredin and working home to Perth.
He passed the distant signal for Jumperkine display Yellow and continued at velocity.
He also passed a 30 kph TSR warning board.
Train Control attempted to make radio contact, but he did not respond.
He hit the 30 KPH TSR at speed.
Finally, squizzing the home stick displaying red, he hit the anchors.
Slamming into the rear of the stationary grain train standing on the main line.
I don't know if there is a Time Release imposed on WA loop points.
Such a time period requiring the opposing train to come to a stand at the signal to await the time release to permit reversing the points.
But, I hafta ask, IF the intention was to run the PN job around the grain, why did TC stop the grain on the Main line.
I would have thought that diverting the grain into the loop and then allowing the PN job to pass through on the main would have made more sense.
But, we will hafta await the final report.
Steve.