UPDATE 1pm: An Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has provided a statement on the the train derailment at Emerald Hill.
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"About 5.20pm on Monday, the derailment was reported at Emerald Hill,” the ARTC spokesman said.
"Six wagons from a loaded grain train derailed, three of those were upright and three on their side.
"The ARTC is working with the rail operator to get the wagons re-railed and removed.
"The train is partially blocking the main line and that's why trains are halted.
"Two passenger trains, the CountryLink Explorer services from Moree and Armidale have been transferred to coaches.
"All other train services north of Gunnedah have been halted.
"Local road detours have been put in place and we urge motorists to avoid the area and allow for extra travel time.
"This morning our focus is to re-rail and remove the train from the track and investigate and repair what damage has been done.
"We apologise to our customers and the community for any inconvenience this has caused and we are working with out customer and the rail operator to this as quickly and safely as possible.”
EARLIER: Investigations are under way as to why a grain train derailed at Emerald Hill on Monday.
About four carriages of the Pacific National train derailed, twisting the undercarriages and spilling grain onto the embankment.
Police attended the crash scene at the corner of Goolhi and Francis Studdy roads but no injuries were reported.
A Pacific National spokesman said on Tuesday morning, nearly 24 hours after the incident, there was still no indication as how or why the carriages derailed.
“As always with these incidents, they’re subject to investigation,” the spokesman said.
As always with these incidents, they’re subject to investigation
- Pacific National spokesman
The Emerald Hill level crossing connecting Goolhi Road to the Kamilaroi Highway remained blocked while investigations and recovery of the stricken carriages was carried out. The crossing was not expected to open until 7pm Tuesday.
Locals made light of the situation on social media, some enquiring about the grain type and how they could “do with some chook food”. In 2012 a fully-laden coal train derailed at Boggabri, plunging six carriages off a bridge.