At approximately 1417 on 13 December 2007 a tandem tip truck
loaded with a 'bobcat' excavator drove into the side of the
Indian Pacific passenger train (4SA8) at the passively
controlled level crossing of Moloney Road near Virginia in SA. As a
result of the collision, the truck driver was seriously injured.
The locomotive drivers were shaken but not hurt. There were no
injuries to passengers or the train's hospitality staff.
The investigation concluded that the accident occurred because
the driver of the truck entered the level crossing while a train
was on the crossing and that he did not come to a halt at the level
crossing 'Stop' sign. It is likely that the truck driver was not
expecting a train at the level crossing and accordingly did not
stop.
Safety actions recommended as a result of the investigation
include a review of the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model
(ALCAM) with respect to assessing the risks associated with level
crossings having a history of incidents/accidents and measures to
reduce the road/rail interface risk at the Moloney Road level
crossing.
Rail Safety Recommendations [ RR20080026
] [ RR20080027
] [ RR20080028
]
