Investigations are continuing after a freight train collided with a truck at a rail crossing in Cossack yesterday.
Around 11am, Emergency Services received reports that the freight train had derailed after colliding with a truck at the crossing through Florina Road, Cossack.
Four people received minor injuries and were conveyed to Katherine District Hospital for treatment.
The train was transporting a general freight and diesel container which resulted in a fire post-crash. The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, with assistance from the Royal Australian Air Force and Bushfires NT, successfully contained the fire.
Major traffic delays were reported along Florina road throughout the afternoon with a detour established along the rail corridor from Shadforth Lane onto Florina Road. This detour remains open to traffic in the area for light vehicles only. It is currently unknown when the crossing will reopen.
A crime scene has been established, with Detectives from the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has footage of the events preceding and in the aftermath, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference 10371424.
Worksafe NT and the National Rail Safety Regulator have been advised.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Joshua Fischer said “It is incredibly lucky no one was seriously injured in this collision.
“I commend the work of everyone involved as without the fast deployment of firefighting resources to the location, we would have potentially seen a large bushfire take hold in the area.
“Multiple investigators and rail industry officials are on scene as we work to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Motorists are still advised to avoid the area if they can.”
