On 18 October 1947, at approximately 12.55 am, a Brisbane bound Rockhampton train carrying 300 passengers collided with a stationary Townsville mail train carrying 200. The Rockhampton train was travelling between 15 and 20 miles per hour, however the impact forced the stationary train back more than 100 ft. Both engines were locked together and derailed. Three carriages were overturned and two telescoped. Six people were killed and 15 injured.