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06 March 2008 - Train communication issue led to collision
Media Release
2008/08
Train communication issue led to collision
06 March 2008
The ATSB has found that a collision between a GrainCorp freight
train and overturned truck occurred because train control could not
contact the approaching train in the ten minutes or so before the
collision.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has today released its
final report into the investigation of a collision that occurred at
the Olympic Highway level crossing at Illabo in New South Wales on
2 November 2006.
At the time of the collision it was dark and raining. The
semi-trailer overturned while negotiating the curve prior to the
level crossing. The truck driver called '000' and the message was
relayed through to the Junee train control centre.
Unfortunately, the emergency message from train control was
routed through to the wrong locomotive on the train. Had the
message been received by the train crew the collision would
probably not have occurred.
The investigation established that the train drivers and train
controllers had failed to ensure that the primary radio
communication system in the leading locomotive was switched on and
registered on the CountryNet train communications system. The
investigation also found that the train company's policies and
procedures, train control procedures and network rules failed to
ensure that the train's communication system was operative at the
time.
In the interest of enhancing future road/rail safety, the ATSB
has issued a number of recommendations that address various safety
issues including the need to ensure that the primary radio
communication system, CountryNet, is operational at all times in
the leading locomotive of all trains in New South Wales.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at www.atsb.gov.au or
obtained from the ATSB by telephoning (02) 6274 7687 or 1800 020
616.
Media Contact: George Nadal; 1800 020 616
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