I am sure some will recall that on the 5th November ("Remember, remember"...) 2018, a 40,000+T loaded ore train working to Port Hedland WA developed a system fault (or faults) which led to the train automatically stopping, and the driver calling in a problem. While the driver was attempting to manually make the train safe by applying the wagon brakes, it began to roll, and developed an impressive velocity powered by gravity alone, until control took the decision to put it through a crossover at a safe location, derailing almost all the vehicles. Major win for which all should be grateful: no one even slightly injured. Big heap of wrecked vehicles and iron ore in the desert, hey, it's only money.
Now naturally the Australian Transport Safety Board embarked on an investigation: but approaching three years later, still no final report, now to be issued Q4 2021. I am just so curious to read the incident analysis and recommendations. Will we see a recommendation that all train crew on these workings should have ground level capable ejector seat and parachute systems? Had whatever was the critical failure occurred while the train was moving, anyone on board would be stuck with riding into the eventual crash, with 'fingers crossed' the sole protection available...
Now naturally the Australian Transport Safety Board embarked on an investigation: but approaching three years later, still no final report, now to be issued Q4 2021. I am just so curious to read the incident analysis and recommendations. Will we see a recommendation that all train crew on these workings should have ground level capable ejector seat and parachute systems? Had whatever was the critical failure occurred while the train was moving, anyone on board would be stuck with riding into the eventual crash, with 'fingers crossed' the sole protection available...
