A collision between a cane train and a haul-out near Brandon on Sunday August 20 is raising alarm bells after a similar incident occurred one kilometre away, a few weeks prior.
86 of the 127 empty cane bins being hauled by the 40-tonne loco were derailed in the incident. The rail was temporarily closed due to a three hour clean up, before re-opening the track.
Burdekin Cane Supply Manager, Steve Postma, said there was no one injured in the incident, which occurred at Old Farm siding at 12.45pm.
“However, this was the second collision involving a Burdekin cane train so far this season,” Mr Postma said.
“Three weeks before, a cane train struck the front wheel of a tractor near the overpass, just north of Brandon.
“These two incidents highlight the need for people to remain vigilant around cane lines and cane rail sidings.”
Only 40 per cent of the way through this year’s crushing season, Mr Postma said there was still a long way to go.
“It’s extremely important that people don’t let their guard down because the consequences can be fatal.
“Cane trains cannot change direction or stop on a dime. People need to stay alert and always give way to cane trains.”