QLD:Authorities investigate boy's train fall

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2011
QLD:Authorities investigate boy's train fall

BRISBANE, Dec 22 AAP - The Queensland government has promised a thorough investigation
into how a five-year-old boy fell from a moving train in the state's far north.

The Queensland Rail investigation will focus on how the boy could have accessed an
open door on the Cairns-bound Sunlander train at about 7pm (AEST) on Wednesday.

The child was found near the train tracks between Deeral and Aloomba, about 30 kilometres
south of Cairns, and was treated in Cairns Base Hospital for a cut to his head and bruising.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has ordered an immediate investigation.

"This is one very, very lucky little boy and my thoughts are with his mother and his
family after what must have been a terrifying time," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"It really is quite miraculous that he was not badly injured and my thanks go to the
local police for helping to locate him quickly after the alarm was raised."

The minister said she wants no stone left unturned as authorities look into the matter.

Senior Queensland Rail officials travelled to Cairns on Thursday morning to offer assistance
to the family and start investigations.

It's believed the five-year-old was travelling with his mother and three siblings from
Brisbane to Cairns.

AAP gd/jsh

KEYWORD: TRAIN UPDATE

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