A preliminary report details information gathered during an ongoing transport safety investigation into a safeworking incident involving a maintenance team and a V/Line passenger train on Victoria’s Bendigo-Melbourne line in March.
The incident is being investigated by the Office of the Chief Investigator, which conducts rail investigations in Victoria under a collaboration agreement with the ATSB.
On the afternoon of 11 March 2025, the preliminary report notes, a train driver reported a rough ride on a section of track at Gisborne, about 60 km north-west of Melbourne’s CBD.
V/Line train control implemented a 90 km/h speed restriction at the location and reported the issue to the maintenance centre.
A maintenance workgroup arrived at the location and its supervisor requested a track warrant to access the track. A track warrant was provided and the workgroup entered the track at about 1745.
“At about 1749, the driver of the VLocity train heading towards Melbourne sighted the workgroup about 240 m ahead, performing maintenance on the track,” Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood explained. “The driver sounded the horn and applied the emergency brake.”
The workgroup was able to clear the track as the train approached, but the train impacted a track jack the workgroup was using, resulting in minor damage to the underside of the train.
The train came to a stand about 70 m past the worksite, remaining on the rails. There were no injuries reported.
To date investigators have inspected the occurrence location, examined train operational information, interviewed several parties, and collected other relevant information.
“As the investigation continues, it will include review and examination of safeworking systems, communications procedures and risk management practices relevant to this occurrence,” Mr Smallwood said.
“A final report, containing safety analysis and findings, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
“If a critical safety issue is identified in the course of the investigation, relevant parties will be notified immediately so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
Read the preliminary report: Safeworking irregularity involving V/Line passenger train 8076, Gisborne, Victoria, on 11 March 2025