By Tanya Steele
A Belgrave train line ‘incident’ has sparked an investigation by the National Safety Regulator.
The train line near Upper Ferntree Gully has played host to an ‘operational incident’ that triggered replacement buses for an hour, suspending normal train operation along that section of the line.
Metro Trains confirmed the situation on the rail line and that at approximately 10am on Sunday 25 February, an operational incident occurred near Upper Ferntree Gully on the Belgrave line.
During the incident, buses replaced trains on the Belgrave line between Ringwood and Belgrave.
Trains started operating as normal at approximately 11am.
A Metro Trains spokesperson said that ‘safety is our number one priority.’
“We will not compromise on the safety of our staff and passengers,” they said.
Metro Trains also confirmed that they and the regulators are investigating the incident and ‘will assist as necessary.’
Senior Manager Ross Stargatt from the Office of the National Saftey Regulator (ONRSR) said Investigations undertaken by the ONRSR focus on determining whether or not there has been a breach of Australia’s Rail Safety National Law, by examining the processes and procedures rail operators have in place to manage the safety risks associated with their operations.
“In this case, ONRSR has taken initial steps to satisfy itself that there are no systemic and immediate risks to rail safety as a result of this incident,” he said.
“A formal investigation has been initiated and as such ONRSR can make no further comment at this time.”
“It would not be appropriate to comment further while investigations are underway,” the Metro Trains spokesperson said.
