Collision between freight train 9351 and an overturned semi-trailer, at Illabo, New South Wales, on 2 November 2006

Executive summary

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.

Rail recommendations

[RR20080016] [RR20080017] [RR20080018] [RR20080019]

Safety Advisory Notices

[RS2008001] [RS2008002] [RS2008003] [RS2008004]