Minister for Transport Visits Rail Accident Site

Minister for Transport Visits Rail Accident Site

Transport Minister, John Mickel says people can be assured that proper arrangements are in place for a detailed investigation of yesterdays Tilt Train accident South of Cardwell.

Mr Mickel, who travelled to the scene of the accident overnight said one of his priorities had been to ensure the accident was fully investigated.

“I have had extensive discussions with senior Queensland Transport and QR officials to make sure this happens and I am satisfied it will,” Mr Mickel said.

“It is important that people can have confidence in the integrity and calibre of the investigation that will occur.

“No effort will be spared in making sure this accident is investigated – fully, expertly and independently.”

Mr Mickel flew from Brisbane to Townsville late last night and travelled to the accident scene, 12km North of Ingham.

Together with QR CEO Lance Hockridge and Head of Passenger Services, Paul Scurrah, he arrived at 1:30am today and spent an hour being briefed on the situation.

He was also accompanied by local state MP, Mr Andrew Cripps, the Member for Hinchinbrook.

Mr Mickel, senior rail and transport officials returned to the scene at 7:30am today for further briefings and discussions on the accident and the investigation.

Mr Mickel said a major focus of the inquiries would be the operation of the warning lights at the level crossing.

“There has been some speculation that the warning lights were not flashing at the time of the accident,” Mr Mickel said.

“At the same time it is clear that there is some confusion between these warning lights and those at another level crossing about 8km north at Conn Creek, which had been reportedly malfunctioned and had defaulted to constantly flashing.

“I have been informed by QR that the lights at the level crossing where the accident occurred were tested yesterday morning and were found to be in normal working order.”

Mr Mickel said the investigation would be independently chaired by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The investigation would be joined by a technical expert from South Australia focusing signals and the warning lights.

Investigators would also have access to other data captured by QR monitoring systems associated with the warning lights and signals, along with data from the trains data recording systems.

-ENDS-

28 November 2008

Media Contact: Joe Begley 0408 701 379 or Jane Rowe 0409 588 302