Vic: Melbourne-Sydney train line still blocked after derailment

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2008
Vic: Melbourne-Sydney train line still blocked after derailment

The main rail line between Melbourne and Sydney is still blocked and could stay that
way most of the weekend after a goods train derailed north of Benalla .. in north-east
Victoria.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the accident site today.

Victoria Police say about 30 freight cars on the Melbourne-bound Pacific National train
jumped the tracks at Winton .. near Benalla .. about 8.30 last night (AEST).

The driver's cabin didn't come off the tracks and the train's only occupants .. the
two drivers .. weren't hurt.

The accident has affected the XPT Melbourne-Sydney service .. freight services and
V/Line passenger services.

Heavy cranes will have to be called in to lift the freight cars off the tracks.

AAP RTV kn/sjm/crh/sw

KEYWORD: TRAIN (MELBOURNE)

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