BY IAN CROUCH
Hunter rail commuters are advised the main northern line to the north coast and Brisbane has been closed due to a major fire.
Newcastle Fire Command says a 20 metre high coal storage tower adjacent to the rail line at Casino caught fire just after 1.30am on Monday.
Around 50 firefighters are battling the blaze from the rail corridor, with the structure collapsing just before 5 o'clock.
It's likely the rail line will remain closed for several hours, meaning the XPT from Brisbane has been stopped.
