The incident occurred during the early hours of Thursday (February 25) morning with emergency crews arriving on scene at Morrows Road at about 2.30am.

Half of the 1500m long train left the tracks. One of the three locomotives is in a paddock and 16 carriages containing general goods and some hazardous materials jack-knifed, four of which are in floodwater.

The driver of the train had been safely removed and assessed by NSW Ambulance.

Coffs Harbour Fire and Rescue Superintendent Rod Chetwynd said heavy rain in he region has caused presented problems and the clean up is likely to take several days.

The HAZMAT unit was called and drones were deployed to capture the full extent of the situation from above.

Fire crews from Sydney and Newcastle have arrived to assist.

"We have secured hazardous materials and are now working with authorities to conduct an investigation and clean up the scene but we will be here for some time," Mr Chetwynd said.

Buses will replace the XPT train service between Sydney and Brisbane.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: