A train carrying 300 passengers slammed into a truck that broke down on a level crossing in Brisbane because no one called emergency services, a report has found.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) on Thursday published the results of an investigation into the collision, which occurred on August 14 last year at the Bonemill Road level crossing at Runcorn, and left six people with minor injuries.
The train did not derail as the train driver spotted the B-double on the tracks and applied emergency braking and the associated emergency procedures, but the accident caused “substantial damage” to the train, the truck, and rail infrastructure.
A train carrying 300 passengers hit a truck that broke down on a Brisbane level crossing because neither the truck driver nor bystanders called emergency services or reported the incident.
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The investigation concluded the truck was broken down for almost five minutes before the rear trailer was hit by the Queensland Rail express train, and the ATSB urged motorists to treat vehicles stuck on level crossings as emergencies and immediately contact authorities.
“ATSB investigators determined the truck was immobilised on the level crossing due to a sudden air line failure between the A and B trailers,” ATSB Director of Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said.
“The truck driver attempted to fix the problem for about 4.5 minutes before the collision, but neither the truck driver, nor any bystanders, called the signposted reporting number, or triple zero.
“This accident, which fortunately did not result in any serious injury, serves as a reminder that accidental obstruction of railway tracks should be treated as an emergency, and reported to authorities as soon as vehicle occupants have been moved clear of the tracks.”
The report found the failure to report the breakdown meant the network control officer was unaware of the issue before the collision and was therefore unable to alert the train driver.
The trailer was also difficult to see against the background environment due to its colour, which the report found limited “the train driver’s early recognition of the blocked track ahead”.
Queensland Rail said it will conduct an independent review of its level crossing management processes, and work with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on “compliance activities and communication campaigns”.
Header image: The train colliding with the truck (ATSB).
