Runaway train travels more than 90 kilometres without a driver before being derailed

The loaded iron ore train was derailed after travelling 92km without a driver. Photo / 123RF stock image

A massive loaded iron ore train has been derailed after it travelled a staggering 92km without a driver.

Earlier on Monday morning the 268 wagon train was travelling from Newman to Portland in Western Australia.

At about 4.40am, the driver got out of the train to inspect a wagon, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Yet just as he started to inspect it the Pilbara train started to travel on its own, the Daily Mail reports.

It was 92km in before BHP personnel managed to bring the train to a halt at 5.05am.

In a statement, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said: 'The driver alighted from the locomotive to inspect an issue with a wagon. While the driver was outside of the locomotive, the train commenced to runaway.

'With no one on board, the train travelled for 92 km before being deliberately derailed at a set of points operated by the control centre, about 119 km from Port Headland (near Turner siding).'

A BHP spokeswoman told The West Australian no one was injured and authorities are investigating.'

'We are working with the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation,' she said.

The ATSB is investigating.