A Translink bus became wedged under a bridge in Graceville causing traffic disruptions and train delays on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred on Graceville Oxley Road at approximately 3:20 pm. There were no passengers on board as the bus was not in service, ensuring that no one was injured or trapped in the vehicle.
Authorities responded quickly to the scene, with emergency crews on-site to assist in freeing the bus. An exclusion zone was established, affecting several streets in the area. Motorists were urged to avoid the region due to the ongoing operation.
The situation lasted for nearly three hours, but by 6:10 pm, the bus was successfully dislodged from under the bridge, and the scene was cleared. Train services, which were initially disrupted, were gradually returning to normal operations.
Despite the resolution of the incident, residual train delays persisted, impacting commuters on the Airport, Beenleigh, and Gold Coast lines. Delays of up to 30 minutes longer than usual were experienced.
This unusual occurrence has prompted questions regarding safety measures and protocols for oversized vehicles in the area, as well as the potential impact on public transportation services in the region. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent similar situations in the future.
The Graceville bridge incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety regulations in the transport sector, as well as the need for efficient traffic management and coordination during such emergencies.
Published 4-November-2023
