Investigation number
RO-2009-005
Occurrence date
Location
near Moorine Rock
State
Western Australia
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

Abstract

At about 1540[1] 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.

Train Details
Train number
Train 7GP1
Train damage
Minor
Departure point
Parkes, NSW
Rail occurrence category
Level Crossing
Destination
Perth, WA
Rail Operation Type
Freight Train