A preliminary report details a near collision between a car and a freight train at a level crossing near Wallan, north of Melbourne, earlier this year.
The preliminary report details evidence gathered so far in the transport safety investigation of the 25 April incident by the Office of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety, which investigates rail occurrences in Victoria under a collaboration agreement with the ATSB.
The report notes the Southern Shorthaul Railroad freight train was heading towards Melbourne on the V/Line broad gauge line when its driver passed a ‘distant signal’ displaying a yellow aspect.
“The yellow aspect indicated that either of the two upcoming home signals could be showing red (i.e. stop), and that the train driver should therefore slow adequately to be able to stop at either home signal,” Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood explained.
As the train approached the first home signal, it was at red, and the driver slowed the train. The driver then received a green aspect (proceed indication) on this signal and proceeded past the signal towards Wallan station.
The train accelerated to 85 km/h before the driver saw the second home signal, which was at red.
“The driver applied braking with the train about 150 m from the red signal, but the train did not stop in time, passing the signal, and then through the Wallan–Whittlesea Road level crossing, about 90 m further down the track,” Mr Smallwood said.
CCTV footage showed lights at the crossing began flashing one second after the train passed the red signal, but that the train passed through the crossing just three seconds after that, with the boom gates still up.
A car entered the level crossing just as the lights began to flash, but was able to clear the crossing before the train arrived.
Mr Smallwood said the investigation had so far included inspections of the incident site, examination of the signalling system and train event recorder data, a review of recorded communications, and interviews with involved parties.
“As the investigation proceeds, it will review and analyse factors potentially related to train operations, the signalling at this location, and level crossing protection,” he said.
“A final report, including findings and any safety actions or recommendations, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
“Should a critical safety factor be identified in the meantime, relevant parties will be notified immediately, so timely safety action can be taken.”
Read the preliminary report: Near collision with road vehicle at level crossing, involving train 0348, Wallan, Victoria, on 25 April 2026