The ATSB has found that a fatal collision between a Patrick Portlink freight train and a small passenger van occurred when the motorist drove into the path of the train at the Moloney Road level crossing near Virginia, SA.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau report into the collision on 16 November 2007 concluded that the motorist's familiarity with the crossing and low expectation of encountering a train were probably factors that contributed to the collision Alternatively, the motorist may simply have had a lapse of concentration and failed to stop. Both occupants of the van were fatally injured in the collision.
The investigation established that had the motorist come to a halt at the 'Stop' sign as required he would have been able to clearly see the train, remain at stop and then proceed safely over the crossing when the train had passed.
On 27 June 2008 the ATSB released its final investigation report into another collision at the Moloney Road level crossing which included safety actions relevant to the current investigation.
The City of Playford Council is closing the Moloney Road crossing to prevent similar accidents in the future. Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet site at www.atsb.gov.au or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning 1800 020 616.