At 1653 on Wednesday 15 November 2006, a north-east bound tip
truck towing a tri-axle trailer drove into the path of south-east
bound passenger train 4AM8, The Overland, at the
Barpinba-Poorneet Road level crossing, near Wingeel in southern
Victoria.
As a consequence of the collision the driver of the truck was
fatally injured. The train sustained only minor damage but was
immobilised and this necessitated that all passengers had to be
transferred by bus to Melbourne.
The ATSB investigation into the accident established that the
truck entered the level crossing and did not come to a halt at the
'Stop' sign as required by the road rules while a train was
approaching the level crossing. The driver of the truck was
possibly distracted by the presence of the road-junction ahead and
was probably unaware of the presence of the train until just before
the collision. The investigation also found that when approaching
the crossing from the south-west the advance warning signs did not
comply with the then operational standard AS1742.7 - 1993. In
addition, the viewing angle in the direction from which the train
approached the crossing was poor. When coupled with the restricted
visibility from the truck's cab, it would have been difficult for
the truck driver to see the train without coming to the required
stop at the crossing.
Rail recommendations
[RR20070023]
[RR20070024]
[RR20070025]
[RR20070026]
[RR20070027]
Safety Advisory Notice
[RS20070002]
