Tasrail Welcomes ATSB Report

The ATSB findings are consistent with TasRail"s own investigation into the incident which confirmed the derailment that occurred at Colebrook was caused by a train handling error and excessive speed.

TasRail confirms that the subsequent implementation of its new Advanced Network Train Control System (ANCS) in January 2015 has mitigated the risk of a repeat incident. “The ANCS is state-of-the-art technology that constantly monitors and records train speed and GPS location data in real timeâ€, Mr White said. “The system automatically sends an alarm to alert the train driver where there is a risk that train speed is likely to exceed, or is at limitsâ€.

Mr White said he was pleased that the ATSB report had also acknowledged all of the additional safety mitigations that TasRail had implemented to further reduce the potential for a re-occurrence.

The ATSB report also confirms TasRail"s proclamation that that condition of the track and/or the rollingstock had not contributed to the cause of the incident.
“I am satisfied that TasRail"s response to the derailment was timely, thorough and appropriateâ€, Mr White said. “Rail remains the safest, most efficient and sustainable mode of moving freightâ€.