>From the ABC News web site:
Train crash sparks emergency near Brisbane
Saturday 7 February, 1998 (3:04am AEDT)
Police in Queensland have declared an emergency situation, north of
Brisbane, after two trains carrying toxic chemicals collided head-on.
Authorities are currently assesing the situation and considering whether
to evacuate the surrounding area.
The trains collided just south of the Caboolture station, shortly before
12:30 this morning.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority's chemical unit is on its way to
the scene.
An evacuation of the area is being considered with authorities fearing an
explosion.
It is not yet known what substances the trains were carrying.
A Fire and Rescue Authority spokesman says a total of 57 carriages were
involved in the accident, and as many as ten have been derailed.
Both train drivers received minor injuries.
Train crash chemical spill not serious
Saturday 7 February, 1998 (11:07am AEDT)
An emergency declaration has been lifted north of Brisbane where two
trains collided overnight derailing five carriages and threatening a
chemical spill.
Cranes are being used to move damaged rail carriages from tracks at
Caboolture.
It was feared chemicals would leak from the load and police declared an
emergency situation, evacuating a nearby Dairy.
However, police say close inspection has found no dangerous goods have
been spilt and no further evacuations are needed.
The accident has caused the closure of the main rail line to north
Queensland with passengers having to be ferried around the accident by
bus.
Rail Line remains closed after North Queensland train crash
Saturday 7 February, 1998 (1:35pm AEDT)
The rail line between Brisbane and north Queensland will remain cut until
this evening following an accident at Caboolture north of Brisbane
overnight.
Two freight trains collided head-on but the drivers escaped with minor
injuries.
The accident sparked fears chemicals being carried by one of the trains
could leak or explode.
However the area has now been declared safe and cranes are being used to
move damaged rolling stock from the tracks.
Queensland Rail has launched an investigation into the accident.