A freight train has been derailed south of Gympie as a result of heavy rains overnight. 

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services State Coordinator James Haig told Neil Breen it could be some time before the train gets back on the rails.

“We understand it’s okay, however we’re waiting for some of the floodwaters to drop before we can do some more operational stuff,” he said.

“We’re not going to put people in harm’s way whilst floodwaters are potentially threatening them.

“At this stage, I have no report of any casualties from that.”

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Queensland Rail Acting CEO Scott Riedel provided the following statement: 

“Queensland Rail is advising Sunshine Coast line customers that buses are replacing trains between Caboolture and Gympie North stations this morning.

“This follows the derailment of a third-party freight train at approximately 3.20am between Traveston and Cooran stations. There are also impacts from the severe weather event.

“When the derailment occurred, Queensland Rail immediately suspended rail traffic and called emergency services to attend. The single occupant and driver of the train is shaken but thankfully has no major injuries.

“Queensland Rail will work with the relevant parties to investigate the incident.

“We thank customers for their patience while we work to recover the site, assess and repair any damage, and monitor weather impacts before we allow services to safely resume.

“In the meantime, rail replacement buses are operating between Caboolture and Gympie North stations. We ask customers to please allow an additional 90 minutes of travel time for their journey.

“We will keep customers updated and urge them to check the TransLink website for the latest information.”