Australia’s largest rail freight operator QR National has said it is ‘shocked and concerned’ after a man lost an arm whilst ‘train surfing’ a coal train on the Darling Downs.
The train crew of the west bound train discovered a person with substantial injuries, including a severed arm, near Holmes on Saturday night.
Police are investigating where the person climbed on board the train.
QR National alerted Emergency Services and the person was taken by ambulance to Toowoomba Hospital.
QR National’s Senior Vice President Safety, Health and Environment Neil Backer said:
“At QR National we spend a lot of time and effort on campaigns to make people aware of the need to remain vigilant around trains – both cars at level crossings and people attempting to cross the tracks.
“But hearing that people are willing to risk their lives skylarking on trains takes it to a whole new level of irresponsibility.
“The message is simple – stay away from the rail corridor – or you are taking your life in your own hands.”
The QR National train crew on board have been offered counselling following the incident.
