Rio Tinto train derails after smashing into stationary wagons
Mining giant Rio Tinto is investigating a serious train collision on its rail network in Western Australia.
One of its autonomous trains crashed into a pair of stationary wagons just after midnight on Monday, about 80km from Karratha in the state’s Pilbara region.
The company confirmed no one was injured in the impact, but three locomotives and 22 wagons were affected.
“We have informed the relevant regulators and started an investigation,” a spokesperson said.
‘Work to clear the railway line will start soon.’
The impact hit three locomotives and 22 wagons
The National Rail Safety Regulator’s office is also investigating the collision.
“The recovery train is believed to have collided with the ore train it was sent to recover after it was disabled due to a mechanical fault,” a spokesman said.
‘Three locomotives and twenty wagons derailed.
“ONRSR is investigating the incident and will conduct a series of investigations. At this stage these are focused on the operation and compliance of signaling systems in the area.’
Iron ore giant Rio Tinto has a 2000km rail network in WA. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith
The train was carrying iron ore when it collided with the stationary wagons, although the amount of material is unclear.
Rio, a $179 billion behemoth, has a 2,000km rail network as part of its vast iron ore operations across the state, transporting iron ore from mine to port.
Monday’s collision is the second blow to the company this year.
In February, one of its autonomous trains derailed about 120km from the port of Dampier, affecting 38 wagons.