The east track could not be used until a train that lost a large steel coil could be removed

A V/Line service came to a halt on Friday about 2.50pm because of the coil.

The train’s driver had to apply the emergency brakes after seeing the coil sitting between the east and west tracks.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation said the coil fell from a steel train.

Despite the inconvenience, the train was able to resume its journey to Albury shortly afterwards.

An ARTC spokesman said “further investigations” would take place.

The spokesman said the Australian Transport Safety Bureau had been given a run-down of what took place.

The driver was able to pull-up the V/Line train just past the steel coil, with no passengers reported to have been injured.

The spokesman said that after an inspection of the V/Line train, it was able to continue the journey

“The two tracks were damaged by the steel coil,” he said in a statement released at the weekend.

“Early indications are that it has unravelled and fallen on to the track from an earlier southbound steel train.

“A crane was required to remove the steel coil from the location and this took place overnight.”

The spokesman said the coil damaged the tracks, which were then repaired by ARTC crews.

“A number of wagons on the steel train were damaged as a result of the incident,” he said.

“This has meant the train is currently held in location between Benalla and Seymour and is being assessed for repairs and recovery by the freight operator.

“This means train operations are only operating on the west track until the steel train is removed and is resulting in delays to all services using the line.”

The ARTC apologised and insisted it would be “working closely” with the freight operator and other customers “to minimise delays and support alternative arrangements for services where required”.