A QR driver and observer were trapped for almost five hours in rapidly
rising floodwaters when their loaded coal train derailed near Rockhampton on
Thursday morning.
The two locomotives, and six wagons toppled in driving rain just after
crossing a rail bridge at Two Mile Creek, near Blackwater, about 01.45 am.
The rest of the 102-wagon train remained on the bridge.
The accident occured when the crew, in darkness and "bloody ferocious rain",
unknowingly hit a portion of the line that had been washed away.
The trapped drivers called for help from the radio in the lead locomotive's
cabin, as floodwaters from the nearby creek threatened to submerge them.
QR said the drivers of the 1000 metre long train had reported water lapping
it was stable.
The drivers aged 37 and 49 were plucked from the cabin by a helicopter crew
at approx. 06.30 am, just as the waters reached their waists.
Steve Shotton
Newcastle, Australia.