Inspector Stewart Wilkinson has praised TasRail for an “outstanding result” in an emergency train derailment in Devonport this morning.

TasRail alerted police at 9am that the train would be derailed in the Devonport wharf area, near Formby Road.

“Our members were on the scene immediately and provided first aid to the people,” Inspector Wilkinson said.

“We deployed all our resources, every police officer we had available we deployed. Every vehicle we had available we deployed… It was all hands on deck for that period of time.”

The train was between Sheffield Road and Kelsey Tier Road at 9am. 

TasRail and police knew the train was out of control for nine minutes but were unsure exactly where it would eventually derail.

Inspector Wilkinson said the response was very effective.

“If the train had gone on, it could have been far more serious.”

“This is an outstanding result. But it is very unfortunate these people have been injured.”

The automated train was carrying cement and did not have any passengers.

“TasRail and the national transport authority will conduct investigation at this point,” Inspector Wilkinson said.

“We will now support TasRail and the investigating authority in maintaining the scene and rehabilitating the scene.”

The train was travelling about 50 kilometres per hour when it was derailed.

Captain of the Torquay ferry Deryn McArthur was on the eastern side of the river when the crash occurred.

“I was on the pontoon counting takings for the week and I thought ‘what’s that?’, and I saw a train burst off the tracks onto the grass.

“I could see a lot of sirens going off, sirens everywhere, and next minute the train hit a big steel stopper.

“With a mighty bang, a train appeared off the tracks completely near the Harbourmaster cafe.”

Mr McArthur said the train “crumpled like a pack of cards.”

UPDATE 10:45am:

Two pedestrians have been transported to the North West Regional Hospital after a train derailed in Devonport.

A woman in her 20s received cuts and abrasions to her head after the freight train hit a fence and the fencing material truck her.

A man in his 40s has a suspected broken elbow and cuts and abrasions.

At 9am TasRail alerted police about a freight train that was anticipated to derail in the Devonport wharf area.

Emergency services were on the scene when the crash occurred at 9.10am.

Formby Road between Best and Steele Street will be closed for several hours while the National Safety Regulator investigates the crash.

Police advise people to avoid the area while the scene is being investigated and then cleared.

Tasmania Police is expected to hold a press conference at 11am.

EARLIER:

One person has received critical injuries after a freight train derailed in Devonport. 

The automated freight train derailed about 9.10am on Formby Road, opposite the Post Office, about 300 metres from the Harbour Master Cafe. 

Formby Road is closed between Steele Street and Best Street until further notice. 

Motorists are being diverted along Rooke Street, Stewart Street, and Edward Street.

Police urge people to avoid the area from now until further notice.

Two pedestrians are believed to have sustained injuries and are being treated by Ambulance Tasmania. 

The train hit a fence as it derailed and the fencing material struck the pedestrian who sustained critical injuries.

A plume of dust could be seen in the air at the time of the crash.

Police and emergency services were on the scene as the derailment happened.