Motorists are reminded to treat a stuck vehicle on a level crossing as an emergency, and immediately contact authorities, after a passenger train collided with a truck in Brisbane last year.
On 14 August 2025, a Queensland Rail express train, carrying about 300 passengers, collided with the rear trailer of a B-double truck which had become stuck on the Bonemill Road level crossing at Runcorn, in Brisbane’s south.
The ATSB’s investigation concluded the truck was stuck on the crossing for almost five minutes before the collision occurred.
Fortunately, the train remained on the tracks, and was able to proceed slowly to the next station for disembarkation.
The train driver, train guard and truck driver were physically uninjured, but six passengers were treated for minor injuries. The train, truck and rail infrastructure sustained substantial damage.
“ATSB investigators determined the truck was immobilised on the level crossing due to a sudden air line failure between the A and B trailers,” ATSB Director of Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said.
“The truck driver attempted to fix the problem for about 4.5 minutes before the collision, but neither the truck driver, nor any bystanders, called the signposted reporting number, or triple zero.”
The network control officer was therefore unaware of the issue before the collision, and was unable to alert the train driver.
The final report notes the trailer was difficult to see against the background environment at the time of the accident, limiting the train driver’s early recognition of the blocked track ahead.
When they did see the obstruction, the train driver applied emergency braking and the associated emergency procedures, likely reducing the severity of the collision.
“This accident, which fortunately did not result in any serious injury, serves as a reminder that accidental obstruction of railway tracks should be treated as an emergency, and reported to authorities as soon as vehicle occupants have been moved clear of the tracks,” Ms Hughes said.
Queensland Rail has committed to an independent review of its current level crossing management methodology, benchmarked against other rail operators.
The operator will also collaborate with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on heavy vehicle compliance activities and communication campaigns.
“Additionally, rail operators are encouraged to consider the adoption of available technology for the timely identification of track obstructions that may also reduce the risk of collisions,” Ms Hughes said.
Read the final report: Level crossing collision between passenger train DB09 and a B-double truck, near Runcorn, Queensland, on 14 August 2025