Rail safety investigations & reports
Level crossing collision between a school bus and train 7GP1 near Moorine Rock, Western Australia, 23 March 2009
RO-2009-005

Summary
At about 15401 on 23 March 2009, freight train 7GP1 collided with a school bus after the bus drove onto, and became stuck on, an excavated section of railway track at the Nulla Nulla South Road level crossing near Moorine Rock, Western Australia. There were no injuries as a result of the collision but there was significant damage to the school bus.
The investigation determined that the collision occurred as a result of the bus being driven around road closure signs and onto a level crossing worksite which was closed for the purpose of replacing rail that was embedded in the road surface. A minor safety issue, unrelated to the development of the accident sequence, was identified during the investigation and has been brought to the attention of the train operator. That safety issue relates to overdue safe working qualifications of train staff. The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken and proposed by the train owner, including the introduction of more robust procedures for checking the currency of operator competencies, will adequately address the safety issue.
General details
Date: | 23 March 2009 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1540 WDT | Investigation level: | Systemic - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | near Moorine Rock | ||||
State: | Western Australia | ||||
Release date: | 29 June 2010 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Train details
Train registration | Train 7GP1 | |
---|---|---|
Type of operation | Freight Train | |
Damage to train | Minor | |
Departure point | Parkes, NSW | |
Destination | Perth, WA |