Train derails in latest Queensland transport blunder

A brand new train set to be rolled out in Queensland to assist with the state’s dire transport issues has derailed at a maintenance yard in Ipswich. 

The train is one of 15 Next Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains which have been plagued by issues throughout development.

The train derailed while undergoing testing at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre late yesterday afternoon.

Aerial shots from the scene show the train skewed across the tracks, and the front of the first carriage appears to have sustained extensive damage.

A crane is being brought in this morning to lift the train and place it back on the tracks. 

The accident happened while the train was being shunted, Transport Minister Jackie Trad said in a statement.

“Initial reports indicate there were no injuries to (Canadian-based manufacturer) Bombardier staff who were shunting the train," she said.

The state government said it is investigating the incident but insisted the derailment was not caused by the train itself.

All 15 NGR trains are still in the testing phase and so far have failed the necessary tests to be approved for commercial use – they were supposed to be rolled out at the end of 2016.

Testing found problems with disability access braking, air-condition on the trains, ventilation and drivers’ sightlines.

The trains are desperately needed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games which are being hosted pm the Gold Coast, but it’s unclear if the will be ready on time.