National freight routes affected after train partially derails in South Australia

Key freight services connecting the country have been affected after several train wagons derailed near Port Pirie late Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the East West railway line 57 kilometres north of Port Pirie at about 5:40pm after receiving reports of the partial derailment.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) says the derailed wagons will be retrieved once safety checks are complete.

It has left the railway line out of service, affecting all freight routes running from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Perth and Adelaide to Darwin.

The ARTC said none of the train’s crew were injured in the incident and track repair works will be planned.

The National Rail Safety Regulator is investigating the cause of the derailment.