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Freight train derails near Geelong, with dozens of containers strewn across tracks

freight train

A freight train has derailed west of Geelong, leaving dozens of shipping containers strewn across railway tracks.

Victoria’s State Emergency Service reports that there were no injuries in the incident and there were no dangerous goods involved.

The SES said that eight wagons came off the tracks at about 5.30am between Inverleigh and Gheringhap.

Reports say the incident occured near a level crossing, which was temporarily closed, but has since reopened.

Victoria Police said officers were called to the site to provide traffic control but they were no longer needed.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is taking control of the scene and investigators have been called in.

Inverleigh resident Robyn told ABC News that there was torrential rain in the area overnight.

“There’s at least 20 containers just everywhere and Inverleigh itself is pretty much awash with just water over the roads everywhere,” she told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“The Leigh and Barwon [rivers] meet together in Inverleigh and it’s just a lake.”

Update – Tuesday, November 15

The freight train derailment at Inverleigh will further disrupt road and rail freight supply chains that are already facing challenges from recent flooding in Victoria, says the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).

The VTA said the derailment, reportedly caused by the tracks buckling as water has continuously seeped underneath them, underscores association calls last week for urgent federal and state funding and a plan to tackle the massive job of repairing and reinstating road and rail freight networks.

“We need our political leaders out there committing resources to fix the damage that’s been done as soon as possible, in what are clearly unprecedented rain and weather events and outside the ordinary maintenance of our transportation networks,” said VTA CEO Peter Anderson.

“As a result of the Melbourne-Adelaide rail corridor closure for the wreckage to be cleared and the damage assessed and repaired, we would expect an increase in road freight transport between Melbourne and Adelaide.

“Freight will always find a way to get to customers and consumers, particularly during our peak season leading into Christmas.

“With the expected increase in heavy vehicle traffic we ask all motorists to take additional care on the roads to prevent accidents and keep everyone as safe as possible.”

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