Passengers have had a once-in-a-lifetime trip cut short after a cattle truck hit The Ghan train in the Australian outback.
The truck collided with second car of the luxury passenger train about 10am, local time, on Sunday at the Arltunga level crossing about 60km north of Alice Springs.
A spokeswoman for Journey Beyond, the company that manages The Ghan, said no serious injuries had been identified by passengers, train drivers or crew.
‘Coach transport has been arranged to collect guests and transfer them to Alice Springs,’ she said.
‘Emergency services are currently attending the scene.’
The truck driver was treated for shock at the scene and has been transported to hospital.
The Ghan, which can transport up to 300 people, travels between Darwin and Adelaide over three days, and has been running for more than 90 years.
Tickets cost from $2,755 per person, up to more than $5,000 for a platinum ticket one way, including all meals.
The Ghan (pictured), an iconic Australian passenger train, has collided with a cattle truck in the Northern Territory
No serious injuries were reported among the train passengers (pictured, one of The Ghan’s crossings with the Stuart Highway)
Sunday’s crash is expected to cause chaos on the rail line, as the train cannot be moved.
‘It is expected that disruptions to the rail network will continue for several days due to the train being unable to be moved,’ police told ABC News.
‘NT WorkSafe has been notified of the incident, and the Rail Network Controller has also been informed.
‘The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is ongoing.’
