Collision between train 7MP7 and person, near Nantawarra, South Australia, on 22 May 2010

RO-2010-005

Final report

Abstract

At about 1303 on Saturday 22 May 2010, freight train 7MP7 collided with a young male child on the track adjacent to a level crossing near Nantawarra in the mid-north of South Australia. The child was fatally injured as a result of the collision. The investigation found that prior to the collision the child had wandered away from the family home and had unknowingly placed himself in a place of extreme danger on the railway track and there was little the train drivers could do to avoid the collision.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number RO-2010-005
Occurrence date 22/05/2010
Location near Nantawarra
State South Australia
Report release date 09/11/2010
Report status Final
Investigation level Systemic
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Rail
Rail occurrence category Collision
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Train details

Train number Train 7MP7
Type of operation Freight
Departure point Melbourne, Vic
Destination Perth, WA
Train damage Nil