A police investigation is underway after a cattle truck crashed into the Ghan passenger train about 60 kilometres north of Alice Springs yesterday.
The truck collided with the train’s second locomotive at the Arltunga Crossing just before 10am.
The driver of the truck was treated for shock by paramedics and taken to hospital, but it’s understood that no passengers were injured in the incident.
Cattle on board the truck were also unharmed.
However, major damage was caused to both the truck and train, with the Ghan grounded for hours before making its way back to Alice Springs for repairs.
Passengers were taken to Simpsons Gap in coaches for sightseeing and dinner, before reboarding in the evening and continuing the journey to Adelaide.
Initial reports claimed that disruptions to rail services were expected to continue for several days, however NT Police said services returned to normal late yesterday afternoon.
The Ghan, an all-inclusive luxury train operated by Journey Beyond, travels between Darwin and Adelaide. Tickets start at $3705 per person, with a minimum 283 people on board.