Shortly before 2314 on Thursday 2 November 2006, the driver of a
semi-trailer loaded with baled wool lost control of his truck
whilst negotiating the approach to the Olympic Highway level
crossing at Illabo, New South Wales. The truck overturned and slid
along on its side coming to rest on the level crossing, obstructing
both of the railway lines at the crossing. After climbing out of
the prime mover cab, the driver realised that his truck was
obstructing the railway lines and called the '000' emergency
number. The '000' operator received the call and transferred it to
the police communication centre who then called Junee train
control. Junee train control then attempted four times to warn
train 9351, which was approaching the crossing, without
success.
At about 2324:35 freight train 9351 travelling at about 94 km/h
collided with the overturned semitrailer. The leading bogie on
leading locomotive GL102 derailed as a result of the collision.
There was moderate damage to the leading locomotive and the truck's
prime mover. The truck's trailer was destroyed. There was
significant damage to the level crossing signals, signage, and
auxiliary trackside equipment. There were no serious injuries but
the train crew were treated for shock.
In the interest of enhancing future road/rail safety 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.
Download final report
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Rail recommendations
[RR20080016]
[RR20080017]
[RR20080018]
[RR20080019]
Safety Advisory Notices
[RS2008001]
[RS2008002]
[RS2008003]
[RS2008004]