ATSB – RO-2018-004
Richmond Station staff and other Sydney Trains employees who were already on the platform were first to attend to the injured passengers and train crew. Some passengers emerged from the train after the train doors were opened by the guard. Others, too injured to move, were stretchered out by emergency services.
A total of 16 persons were injured as a result of the collision. Many were assessed and received treatment in Richmond Park, across the road from the station. Five persons were assessed as requiring immediate transfer to hospital. NSW Ambulance confirmed that 15 persons were transported to hospital for further treatment and assessment. The driver and guard were breath tested by police, both returned a negative result.
At 1045, the driver, after being treated for his injuries, was interviewed by NSW Police. Later he was transported to Blacktown hospital for observation and drug and alcohol testing. The results were negative.
At 1145, once emergency services had completed evacuation of the injured, the ATSB formally took control of the site from NSW Police for the purpose of conducting safety investigations. The ATSB then inspected the train, the track, and the adjacent infrastructure including the buffer stop.
On 24 January 2018, the ATSB took possession of the event recorders and digital video recorders from the train while it was still at Richmond Station. Sydney Trains successfully relocated the cars to the storage siding where further assessment and temporary repairs of the cars occurred.
The train remained at Richmond until 2 February 2018 when the three rear cars (D6442, N5442, N5642) were coupled to a locomotive and hauled to the Downer[1] maintenance facility at Cardiff, Newcastle, New South Wales, approximately 150 km by rail from Richmond. Two more cars (T6642, T6542) were moved on 14 February 2018. The remaining 3 cars (D6342, N5342, N5542) were moved on 21 February 2018.
The initial response, recovery and transfer of A42 to Cardiff were coordinated between all parties including Downer, Sydney Trains and Transport for New South Wales. Sydney Trains is the operator of the train, Downer is the maintainer of the train, and TfNSW through the Asset Standards Authority sets standards for rolling stock and infrastructure.
At Cardiff, a number of non-intrusive inspections took place in which the damage to A42 was photographed and documented. Downer engineering specialists assessed the options for repair. All major components were removed and individually assessed for damage. Comprehensive testing and commissioning was undertaken by Downer with support from Sydney Trains.
A42 recommenced revenue service on 28 March 2019 following a 14-month repair effort. The total repair cost for A42 was approximately $4.8 million.
- ↑ Downer is an integrated services company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange as Downer EDI. Business units within the Downer group includes EDI Rail PPP Maintenance and Downer Rail.
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