A Queensland Rail train driver is dead and two others are injured after a locomotive and a coal train collided west of Rockhampton.
The three drivers were all on the locomotive when it collided with a coal train on the Aurizon rail network, about 11.30am on Friday, Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said.
Police say the driver who died was a 49-year-old man from Margate, north of Brisbane.
Another driver, 43, suffered a broken leg and was flown to Rockhampton Hospital. The third driver, 41, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by road.
Police have said both trains were westbound but it's unclear if both were moving at the time of the crash.
The RACQ CapRescue helicopter service, which attended the scene, said it appeared one train was stationary and was hit from behind by the other.
"We are deeply saddened and distressed by the incident and our priority is the welfare of our people and the families of the drivers involved," Mr Easy said in a statement.
He said the Rail Safety Regulator and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland would investigate the cause of the crash
"Given the nature of the incident, it is not appropriate to comment or speculate further on the potential cause."
The Capricorn Highway had to be closed for about two hours so the helicopter could get access to the scene.
Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.
Australian Associated Press
