Train derails in Australia

KATHERINE, Australia, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A railroad bridge weakened by flooding fueled by Cyclone Grant collapsed in Australia Tuesday, causing a train loaded with copper ore to derail, officials said.

The derailment, near Katherine, sent much of the 20-car train's load into the Edith River, The Australian reported. Two train operators aboard escaped with minor injuries.

The storm dumped more than 15 inches of rain in the area Monday, causing flash flooding that wiped out train tracks and washed out sections of roads.

A 33-foot-high bridge about 40 miles north of Katherine gave way about 6 a.m. Tuesday as the 4,735-ton train was crossing, creating a 165-foot-wide gap in the track, the newspaper said. Another train had passed by about 7 hours earlier, a railway official said.

The rail line, which carries 36 trains per week between Alice Springs and Darwin, is closed indefinitely for repairs, rail operator Genesee & Wyoming Australia said.

"Until the water subsides we will not be able to get a full picture of the damage," Managing Director Bert Easthope said.

The Australian said the country's Bureau of Meteorology issued a cyclone watch Tuesday, warning that Grant could redevelop into a Category 1 cyclone Wednesday and head east toward the Cape York Peninsula.