Fatal Level Crossing Collision - Bumbunga, South Australia, on 1 August 2009

RO-2009-006

Final report

Abstract

At about 1535 on Saturday 1 August 2009, the lead locomotive of Pacific National (PN) freight train 5PM5 collided with a utility motor vehicle at the Bumbunga level crossing in South Australia (SA).

The utility vehicle was seriously damaged as a result of the collision and the male driver and a female passenger were fatally injured.

The train driver was uninjured. The lead locomotive of the train incurred minor damage, mainly to the headstock/pilot at the front of locomotive. The track and level crossing infrastructure incurred moderate damage that consisted of damaged rail fasteners and gouging of the road surface at the level crossing.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number RO-2009-006
Occurrence date 01/08/2009
Location Bumbunga
State South Australia
Report release date 24/05/2010
Report status Final
Investigation level Systemic
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Rail
Rail occurrence category Level Crossing
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Train details

Train number Train 5PM5
Type of operation Freight Train
Departure point Perth WA
Destination Melbourne VIC
Train damage Minor