At 1653 on Wednesday 15 November 2006, a north-east bound tip truck towing a tri-axle trailer drove into the path of south-east bound passenger train 4AM8, The Overland, at the Barpinba-Poorneet Road level crossing, near Wingeel in southern Victoria.

As a consequence of the collision the driver of the truck was fatally injured. The train sustained only minor damage but was immobilised and this necessitated that all passengers had to be transferred by bus to Melbourne.

The ATSB investigation into the accident established that the truck entered the level crossing and did not come to a halt at the 'Stop' sign as required by the road rules while a train was approaching the level crossing. The driver of the truck was possibly distracted by the presence of the road-junction ahead and was probably unaware of the presence of the train until just before the collision. The investigation also found that when approaching the crossing from the south-west the advance warning signs did not comply with the then operational standard AS1742.7 - 1993. In addition, the viewing angle in the direction from which the train approached the crossing was poor. When coupled with the restricted visibility from the truck's cab, it would have been difficult for the truck driver to see the train without coming to the required stop at the crossing.

Rail recommendations

[RR20070023] [RR20070024]  [RR20070025] [RR20070026] [RR20070027]

Safety Advisory Notice

[RS20070002]