The ATSB has found that a collision occurred at level crossing near Elizabeth River (NT) on 20 October 2006 because the driver of a road-train truck did not stop at a Stop sign to give way to an approaching freight train.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation established that an adjacent road junction, low train conspicuity and a low expectation of seeing a train probably combined to mistakenly filter the truck drivers attention away from the importance of looking for a train. Consequently he did not see the approaching train, even though it is likely that he looked in that direction.
The ATSB also concluded that it had become normal practice for the truck driver to slow but not stop at the level crossing Stop sign.
The ATSB report makes recommendations relating to public awareness and visibility of approaching trains and acknowledges that the rail operator and the NT Government have implemented strategies to prevent similar collisions at this location.
Read the report: Level Crossing Collision, Elizabeth River, NT, 20 October 2006