Article: Train passengers trapped in wild weather for 17hrs

[ozbob]

From ABC New click here!

Train passengers trapped in wild weather for 17hrs

Train passengers trapped in wild weather for 17hrs

A destructive low pressure system has dumped heavy rain on the region and whipped up strong winds.

The Countrylink XPT service from Sydney to Casino was interrupted overnight at Coramba, about 10 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour, by fallen trees on the railway line.

Railway workers removed the blockage, but the train encountered floodwater about 30 kilometres north near Glenreagh.

As it reversed back to Coffs Harbour it was stopped for a third time by a landslide.

The site was too remote for buses to reach.

An excavator eventually cleared the debris and weary travellers arrived in Coffs Harbour just before midday today (AEDT).

Some passengers say trees fell on three carriages scaring occupants inside.

A large number of small children and elderly people were onboard the train.

Passengers have praised the crew for keeping spirits high by providing complimentary food and regular updates.

However some say they received mixed messages and the food eventually ran out.

[ghostryder]

Bob/All
The landslip was about 5-700m north of Red Hill Tunnel number 1, For some passengers and the crew they had been on the train since it left Sydney Friday Morning at 7.15am. so for them they had been on the train nearly 31 hours, below are some shots i was able to get the landslip shot is not a great shot due to being buffeted by strong winds trying to get it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashmos_pics/8499901812/in/photostream

Journeys End
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashmos_pics/8499903208/in/photostream/

Battle Scars
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashmos_pics/8498798641/in/photostream/

Battle Scars 2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashmos_pics/8499905594/in/photostream/

Scott

[ozbob]

Thanks for the update Scott, well done.

[ghostryder]

Bob,
Channels 7 and 9 had news coverage on last nights news about it. NBN a local affiliate covered it for 9.

Scott