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31 July 2008 - Derailment investigation report
Media Release
2008/21
Derailment investigation report
31 July 2008
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation has
found that a fatal level crossing accident at Back Creek in central
western NSW at about 1830 on 10 March 2007 occurred when the semi
trailer driver drove into the path of an empty grain train. The
driver sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
The ATSB today released a report regarding the collision. The
semi trailer was trapped under the leading locomotive and dragged
onto the rail bridge over a watercourse adjacent to the level
crossing. During the collision sequence, the leading locomotive and
semi trailer prime mover caught fire. The fire subsequently
destroyed both vehicles and the other two locomotives that were
hauling the train, and the timber members of the railway bridge
over the watercourse.
The ATSB's investigation found that the semi trailer driver was
probably intending to perform a rolling stop, where the vehicle is
slowed but not stopped at the level crossing Stop sign, and he may
have only heard the locomotive horn at the last moment, if at all.
The driver lived in the area and was very familiar with the
crossing and probably did not expect to see a train given the low
volume of rail traffic on the line.
The investigation also found that the semi trailer drivers
ability to see the train was probably impeded by glare from the sun
given the time of day and the westerly direction he was driving as
he approached the crossing.
The ATSB's investigation report also notes that there were no
advance level crossing warning signs on an alternate road approach
to the level crossing for heavy vehicles. However, given the semi
trailer driver's extensive local knowledge, the lack of this
signage was not considered to have contributed to the
collision.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning (02) 6274 7687 or
1800 020 616.
Media Contact: 1800 020 616
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