BHP highlights details of Pilbar train wreck

The BHP statement detailed the results of a preliminary investigation into the derailment of a train in Pilbar, but raised additional questions about the incident.

Several crashes followed .

Initial data indicate that the emergency air brake for the entire train was not activated as required by the relevant operating procedure.

The driver stopped the train to check the disconnected brake control cable. The train continued to move after that. “In addition, the electric braking system that originally brought the train to a stop was automatically lowered after an hour while the driver was still outside. Due to a failure in the integration of the backup braking system, it was unable to successfully deploy. Then the train was thrown back deliberately because it could not be stopped by the braking system. "

The statement did not explain why the emergency air brake was not activated, why the emergency air brakes were only activated after an hour, and whether there is a "failure to integrate the backup braking system" when the train is stationary or moving.

They also did not specify why the driver was outside the train for at least an hour or whether he tried to repair the disconnected cable when the train began to move.

“After that, we safely resumed our railway operations. Regular investigations are ongoing and we are working to learn from this incident. Our task remains the safety of our people and our activities. "

BHP Newman resumed operations in Port Hedland this week.