A partial train derailment in Melbourne’s inner north on Sunday evening has resulted in significant disruptions for commuters, requiring repairs to approximately 100 metres of railway track. The derailment occurred around 10:30 PM near Clifton Hill station and caused extensive damage to both the track and overhead infrastructure, as reported by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). A massive 500-tonne crane was deployed to remove the affected carriage from the tracks.
As a consequence, services remain suspended on parts of the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines until at least Monday. Passengers on the Hurstbridge line must rely on replacement buses between Eltham and Parliament stations, while Mernda passengers will have bus services operating between Reservoir and Parliament. Train services continue between Mernda and Reservoir, but delays are anticipated.
Replacement bus services have led to lengthy queues at Reservoir station, causing frustration among commuters. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, referencing previous instances when compensations were offered for service disruptions and calling for better management of inconveniences.
The ATSB is actively investigating the derailment, and investigators from the Office of the Chief Investigator were dispatched to the site to gather evidence. An initial report outlining factual findings from the investigation is expected to be released in about two months, with a final report to follow, detailing comprehensive analysis and conclusions. Should a critical safety issue arise during the investigation, the ATSB will promptly inform relevant parties to facilitate necessary safety measures.
Metro Trains’ CEO, Raymond O’Flaherty, has indicated that a decision regarding compensation for affected passengers will be made by the end of the month. In the meantime, the focus is on ensuring that passengers can still complete their journeys despite the ongoing disruptions, and efforts are being made to minimise their impact.