Level crossing collision between truck and train, at South Geelong, Victoria, on 3 April 2023

Preliminary report released 28 June 2023

This preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase and has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public. Preliminary reports contain no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the investigation’s final report. The information contained in this preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The occurrence

At about 0600 local time on 3 April 2023, a truck driver arrived at a heavy vehicle depot located about 240 m south of the Barwon Terrace level crossing in South Geelong. They prepared the tipper truck for work in Point Lonsdale and departed the depot at about 0635. The truck proceeded in a north easterly direction from the depot along an unsealed road which ran parallel to the V/Line broad gauge railway track towards Barwon Terrace level crossing.

After travelling along the unsealed road towards Barwon Terrace, the truck proceeded onto the level crossing between the boom barriers and stop lines located on either side of the crossing (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Direction of travel of truck and train and location of level crossing

Source: Imagery © Nearmap annotated by Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (Victoria)

Earlier at about 0631, V/Line train 7727, an empty six-car set with only the driver and a conductor on board, departed Geelong Railway Station towards Waurn Ponds (Figure 2). The train was being taken to Waurn Ponds Railway Station for a passenger service to Melbourne. As the train was being relocated, it did not stop at South Geelong Railway Station.

Figure 2: Train route and location of Barwon Terrace level crossing

Source: Imagery © Nearmap annotated by Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (Victoria)

At about 0636 just prior to sunrise in overcast and dry conditions, train 7727 approached the Barwon Terrace level crossing from the north. The train driver reported that on observing the truck approaching the level crossing, they sounded the train’s horn and applied the emergency brake. Soon after, the train collided with the truck that was foul of the track. The train was travelling at about 65 km/h at the time of collision.

The force of impact caused the truck to spin around in a clockwise direction (Figure 3) and the driver was fatally injured. The truck sustained substantial damage.

The train sustained minor damage to its front, did not derail and was able to be driven to the Waurn Ponds stabling yard. The train driver and the conductor were not injured.

Figure 3: Location of truck and train after the collision

Source: Victoria Police annotated by Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (Victoria)

Context

Barwon Terrace level crossing

The Barwon Terrace level crossing was located in South Geelong, about 3.5 km from central Geelong. The rail infrastructure and the level crossing were managed by V/Line Corporation. The line in this section was a single bi-directional broad gauge track with a maximum permitted speed of 115 km/h for passenger trains.

Travelling by road in a south easterly direction (away from Geelong), Barwon Terrace intersected the rail line at an angle of about 25 degrees to the road user’s left and 155 degrees to the right. The unsealed road intersecting Barwon Terrace near the level crossing provided access to nearby light industry.

The unsealed road used to access the truck depot widened at its intersection with Barwon Terrace. There was evidence of at least two routes being used by road traffic (Figure 1). One route joined Barwon Terrace north of the protecting boom barrier. A second route (taken by the truck on this day) joined Barwon Terrace between the boom barriers. Tyre tracks on the unsealed road indicated that this second route was in regular use.  

Level crossing protection

The protection equipment at the level crossing consisted of boom barriers, flashing lights, warning bells and warning signage on each side of the crossing (Figure 4). The warning signage consisted of a Railway Crossing combination sign (R6-25), a Stop on Red Signal sign (R6-9), a Keep Tracks Clear Sign (G9-67-1A) and a Railway crossing with marker assembly sign [RX-9(L)].

The level crossing protection was observed to be working at the time of the collision.

Figure 4 - Level crossing protection equipment at the Barwon Terrace level crossing

Photograph is taken from the northern approach to the level crossing, facing south.

Source: The Office of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety (Victoria)

The level crossing warning lights at the northern end of the crossing consisted of two sets of red flashing lights. One set of lights faced north along Barwon Terrace. A second set of flashing lights faced across Barwon Terrace towards the northern end of the intersecting unsealed road.

The truck and driver

The truck was a 1997 International tip truck and was owned by an earth moving company. The truck was empty at the time of the incident. Truck drivers used the depot daily, departing and returning to the depot regularly.

The truck driver had worked for the earth moving company for approximately one month prior to the incident. The truck driver was fatally injured in the collision.

Further investigation

To date the following investigation activities have been completed:

• inspected the location of the occurrence
• examined train operational information
• examined truck operational information
• interviewed several parties
• commenced collection of other relevant information.

The investigation is continuing and will include review and examination of:

• the operation of the level crossing
• the operation of the truck and train
• the layout of the unsealed road and access to the Barwon Terrace level crossing
• a review of the traffic management in place prior to and at the time of the incident.

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.