Investigations are continuing as to why a grain train derailed north of Gunnedah on Monday.
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An Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) said six loaded carriages derailed at Emerald Hill at about 5.20pm.
"The ARTC is working with the rail operator to get the wagons re-railed and removed,” the spokesman said.
The derailment occurred near the Goolhi Road crossing, which was still closed to all vehicle and train movements about lunchtime Tuesday.
"The train is partially blocking the main line and that's why trains are halted,” he said.
"Two passenger trains, the CountryLink Explorer services from Moree and Armidale have been transferred to coaches.
"All other train services north of Gunnedah have been halted.
"Local road detours have been put in place and we urge motorists to avoid the area and allow for extra travel time.
"We apologise to our customers and the community for any inconvenience this has caused. We are working with our customer and the rail operator to fix this as quickly and safely as possible.”
Three wagons which derailed remained upright and three fell to the side, spilling grain onto the adjacent embankment.
Police attended the crash scene at the corner of Goolhi and Francis Studdy roads but no injuries were reported.
A Pacific National spokesman said on Tuesday there was still no indication as how or why the carriages derailed.
“As always with these incidents, they’re subject to investigation,” the spokesman said.
As always with these incidents, they’re subject to investigation
- Pacific National spokesman
Access to the Kamilaroi Highway via Goolhi Road remained blocked while investigations and recovery of the stricken carriages was carried out. The crossing was not expected to open until 7pm Tuesday.
Locals made light of the situation on social media.
Some enquied about the grain type and how they could “do with some chook food”.
In 2012, a fully-laden coal train derailed at Boggabri, plunging six carriages off a bridge.
Fortunately the train driver in this incident also escaped injury.