Queensland
Rail CEO Nick Easy said:
Queensland
Rail is mourning the loss of an employee who passed earlier today. The employee
was one of three Queensland Rail employees involved in a collision between a
light engine locomotive and coal train at Westwood, west of Rockhampton this
morning (18 June 2021).
The
incident occurred at approximately 11:20am when the locomotive, with three
Queensland Rail drivers on board, and a coal train collided approximately 80
kilometres west of Rockhampton on the Aurizon network.
One driver
has non-life threatening injuries and is being treated in hospital. A second
driver has sustained multiple injuries and is being treated in hospital. A
third driver was confirmed deceased at the scene.
We are
deeply saddened and distressed by the incident and our priority is the welfare
of our people and the families of the drivers involved.
Queensland
Rail is grateful for the efforts of Queensland Emergency Services personnel and
the Aurizon team who attended the scene.
Given the
nature of the incident, it is not appropriate to comment or speculate further
on the potential cause.
Queensland
Rail has notified the Rail Safety Regulator and Workplace Health and Safety
Queensland and will be cooperating fully with all investigations.
