Coal news and updates

What is expected to be a week long clean-up and repair operation begins today at the site of a coal train derailment in the Upper Hunter.

 

The empty coal train derailed at Kankool between Murrurundi and Willow Tree early yesterday morning.

 

Rail safety regulators have inspected the scene and handed the line back to the Australian Rail Track Corporation to begin the salvage operation.

 

Heavy lift cranes will be used today to recover the 19 wagons that left the track.

 

ARTC says the line is expected to re-open late on Friday.

 

The derailment has disrupted coal exports from the Gunnedah Basin and road coaches are replacing passenger trains between Muswellbrook and Werris Creek.

 

New England Highway motorists are being warned to exercise caution with a number of near misses involving people stopping to view the scene.

 

 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/