POLICE are investigating after a freight train was tampered with in Stawell on Monday night.
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Police believe two steel bars were deliberately placed on the train tracks, rupturing the train’s fuel tank.
Investigators have been told the train, which had 34 carriages, was travelling west just before 10.30pm on Monday.
As it approached Stawell Station, the driver heard a loud bang as the train ran over the objects.
The train’s engine and fuel tank was extensively damaged in the incident and about 5000 litres of diesel fuel spilled onto the tracks.
Country Fire Authority fire-fighters, Environment Protection Authority officers and council assisted in the clean-up.
The train was shunted back to the Stawell train yard for repairs.
Police asked anyone who saw the incident or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
They urged anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
