According to a final report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) today,  two locomotives were hauling hauling 15 empty wagons weighing 636.47 gross tonnes when the incident occurred on August 20. 

While travelling towards Junee, the train crew’s attention was drawn towards track work between Bethungra and Junee.

As a result, they didn't notice the distant warning sign located 2km prior to the stop sign. 

"At about 9.55am, while approaching Junee at a speed of about 50 km/h, the crew observed the stop sign ahead and immediately placed the brake handle into the emergency position," the report said. 

"The train passed over the three detonators placed at the stop sign and came to a stand approximately 75 m past their limit of authority."

The ATSB findings said the distraction had resulted in the crew not seeing the warning sign.

"It is likely that had they noticed the Warning sign they would have taken appropriate action to stop train 9337N at or prior to the stop sign.

The Network Controller, based in Junee, was advised of the incident and the train crew relieved. 

Both drivers of the 295.2 metre-long train were tested at Cootamundra and returned negative results for the presence of alcohol or drugs.