A truck that was struck by an empty passenger train at a Geelong level crossing had entered the crossing from an unsealed side road that had developed through usage over time but had not been identified as an emerging risk during regular inspections, a transport safety investigation report details.
The empty V/Line passenger train was approaching the Barwon Terrace level crossing in South Geelong on 3 April 2023 when the tip truck, having departed a nearby depot, drove onto the level crossing from the unsealed side road.
"The configuration of the side road meant vehicles could enter the level crossing even when the level crossing boom gates and flashing lights were operating," explained Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood of the Office of the Chief Investigator, which conducts rail investigations in Victoria under a collaboration agreement with the ATSB.
"After likely becoming aware of the approaching train, the truck driver attempted to reverse their vehicle away from the track. However, the train collided with the truck before the truck was clear."
The collision rotated the truck about 180° and the driver sustained fatal injuries. The train crew were uninjured.
CCTV footage showed that it was common practice for vehicles to turn right from the unsealed road onto Barwon Terrace between the level crossing protection and the track.
"Although the level crossing was inspected regularly by V/Line, the rail infrastructure manager, those inspections did not include a review of the emerging risks associated with the changing road usage and configuration at the level crossing," Mr Smallwood said.
"Additionally, the safety interface agreement between rail operators and the City of Geelong, as the road manager, was also ineffective in triggering action to monitor the road to rail interface and changing usage."
Since the accident, a V/Line maintenance alert was issued for track inspectors to identify roads or access tracks which bypass crossing controls.
In addition, changes to the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM) survey program in Victoria now require contractors undertaking assessments to identify and report any road network configurations like the incident location.
"This tragic accident highlights that level crossing inspection regimes should always include checks on any changes that may introduce new hazards and associated risks," Mr Smallwood concluded.
You can find here the final report: Collision between a truck and V/Line train 7727, Barwon Terrace level crossing, South Geelong, Victoria on 3 April 2023
