SSR accreditation suspension follows Berrima derailment

SSR accreditation suspension has been imposed on Holdo Holdings, trading as Southern Shorthaul Railroad, after ONRSR determined that there is, or would be, an immediate or serious safety risk unless the accreditation was suspended.

ONRSR said the suspension was made under the Rail Safety National Law and was based on a “determination that there is, or would be, an immediate or serious risk to safety unless Holdco’s accreditation was suspended”.

Berrima derailment under ONRSR investigation

The decision follows a serious incident at Berrima in New South Wales over the weekend, when several wagons rolled away and derailed at a level crossing on a public road. No injuries were reported.

The regulator is investigating the Berrima derailment. ONRSR said the incident was the latest in a series of safety events involving SSR that fall under its regulatory oversight.

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“ONRSR accredits rail transport operators under the Rail Safety National Law on the basis that they demonstrate the competence and capacity to manage risks to safety associated with their railway operations,”

“ONRSR’s priority is to ensure that risks to the safety of those in the rail industry and members of the public are effectively managed. Understanding the potential impact, the decision to suspend Holdco’s accreditation has not been taken lightly.”

ONRSR said rail transport operators that interact with Holdco have been notified so they can manage any impacts on their own operations. The regulator also said it will “continue to work with Holdco” regarding the company’s accreditation status.

Earlier SSR runaway incidents in New South Wales

The Australian Rail Transport Safety Bureau said investigations are underway into two separate runaway incidents⁠ in New South Wales involving SSR trains earlier this year. Those incidents occurred at Clyde in March and at Marulan South in May.

On March 12, an SSR train was uncoupled during shunting movements at Clyde. One locomotive and five cement wagons then rolled away through a set of points and struck a Pacific National locomotive. Several wagons derailed, and all rolling stock involved sustained some level of damage. No injuries occurred.

Another incident took place on May 26 at Marulan South. Two SSR locomotives were uncoupled during a runaround movement and rolled away while the crew were outside the cab. A crew member boarded the moving locomotives and brought them to a stand. No injuries or damage were reported.

Context

ONRSR describes suspension of accreditation as one of the compliance actions available when an immediate and serious safety risk is identified. For the earlier Clyde and Marulan South runaway events, the ATSB investigation is active and in the evidence collection phase.

The published investigation outline says this work includes interviews, checks of rail safety worker training and competency, review of recorded data, and collection of related information. ATSB lists anticipated completion in Q2 2027, with a final report due at the conclusion of the investigation.

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