Cairns Tilt Train Derailment - Aftermath

Aftermath

Damage caused by the derailment of the City of Townsville was significant. About 120 m (390 ft) of track and sleepers was damaged, and three stanchions supporting the electrified overhead power lines and associated wiring were destroyed had to be replaced. The total cost of the incident, including subsequent investigation, was estimated to be A$35.5 million.

Repairs to the track were completed on 20 November 2004, five days after the derailment. All tilt trains were limited to a maximum operational speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) throughout the state, and resumed higher running speeds on 15 June 2007 after owner and operator QR had implemented a series of safety recommendations from the investigations including fitting the fleet with Automatic Train Protection that would automatically slow or stop the train if the driver has not responded to or ignored warnings of a stop signal ahead or a curve speed restriction.

The derailed Diesel Tilt Train #VCQ5 sustained a considerable amount of damage and some needed structural repairs. Thirty EDI Rail trade staff and twenty support staff from Korea, the Netherlands, Japan and Germany worked on repairs estimated to cost A$30 million.

The City of Townsville was fully repaired by its manufacturer, Downer EDI Rail in Maryborough, and returned to service.