QR National expresses concern following serious 'train surfing' incident
Australia’s largest rail freight operator QR National has expressed shock and concern following a weekend incident in which a man lost an arm while ‘surfing’ a coal train on the Darling Downs.
The train crew of the west bound train discovered a person with substantial injuries, including a severed arm, near Holmes on Saturday night.
Police are investigating where the person climbed on board the train.
QR National alerted Emergency Services and the person was taken by ambulance to Toowoomba Hospital.
QR National’s Senior Vice President Safety, Health and Environment Neil Backer says any illegal entry to the corridor is dangerous but “train surfing” ranks as one of the most risky behaviours of all.
“We hear all too often of the tragic consequences of this behavior and are saddened by this incident over the weekend which has ended in terrible consequences, but could have been even worse and ended in a fatality.
“At QR National we spend a lot of time and effort on campaigns to make people aware of the need to remain vigilant around trains – both cars at level crossings and people attempting to cross the tracks.
“But hearing that people are willing to risk their lives skylarking on trains takes it to a whole new level of irresponsibility.
“There have been a number of tragic fatalities over the years involving train surfers and these have been devastating not only for the victims’ families but also for our train drivers.
“The message is simple – stay away from the rail corridor – or you are taking your life in your own hands.”
The QR National train crew on board have been offered counselling following the incident.