[Peetwo]

ATSB Wallan XPT derailment report Dorothy Dixar in NSW Estimates - RIP! 


Ref: https://auntypru.com/sbg-1-03-20-quatrai...n-sadness/

Via Hansard:

The CHAIR:  Yes, I can come back to it, though. Are there questions from the Government? The Hon. Dr SARAH KAINE:  Minister, could you please provide an update on the inquiry into the Wallan tragedy, which I think was in 2020?

Ms JO HAYLEN:  Thank you very much for the question. I did want to take this opportunity to mark this important tragedy across our rail network. Four years ago this week, two people were killed and 61 were injured—eight seriously—when the Melbourne-bound XPT derailed 40 kilometres away from arriving at its destination. It can only have been an absolutely terrifying experience for the 162 passengers and crew on board who had already travelled 12 hours on the XPT. They were within sight of home on their journey.

The investigation found that the train left the tracks at 115 kilometres an hour on a passing loop where it should have been travelling at just 15 kilometres. The Wallan incident has identified a number of safety risks and issues that were documented in the ATSB's report, which was handed down in August last year. I confirm that NSW TrainLink is focused on delivering improvements and working with all parties to improve and implement the safety recommendations.

Today the matter is being heard in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court as we approach sentencing in relation to this incident. I make clear that my thoughts and the thoughts of the Transport family are with those families of TrainLink driver John Kennedy and ARTC pilot Sam Meintanis, who were killed in their jobs on that terrible night. The victim impact statements are expected to be heard in court today. TrainLink CEO Dale Merrick is attending on behalf of the New South Wales Government. I know as a Transport team we will continue to always look for opportunities to do better. I confirm, of course, that safety must always be our number one priority.

The Hon. Dr SARAH KAINE:  Thank you, Minister.

Plus in pictures (from 01:30:30)

MTF...P2