‘Everything is on the table’: Government launches review into Adelaide rail network following train tragedies

A safety review of Adelaide’s railway network has been launched after separate horror train incidents sent a child and an elderly woman to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The safety of Adelaide’s railway network is under review while the victims of two life threatening incidents recover in hospital.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said he was horrified after an 11 year old boy and a 74 year old woman were hit by trains in separate crashes earlier this week.

Mr Koutsantonis confirmed “all of our crossings meet every single national safety standard”, but a review has been launched and “everything is on the table”.

“We are considering whether or not we actually put people at some of these crossings that are used more frequently during peak hours,” he said.

“We are considering whether we have a program of managed gates … we are considering whether there be more signage … do we have a limit of the number of crossings?.”

Rhyle Abiado, 11, was hit by train at Evanston Gardens on Tuesday. Pictured here with his father Marvin Abiado. Picture: 7News

Authorities tape off the scene at the Grange crossing where a woman was hit on Wednesday. Picture: Emma Brasier

Mr Koutsantonis conceded the city would ideally have all rail lines underground, but even then, risk remains.

“There is no system anywhere in the world that can stop human error,” he said.

“By in large people know how to use them (crossings) and it is the consequences of not having the level of understanding of how to use them properly that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.”

On Tuesday, an 11-year-old Trinity College student was hit by a train in Adelaide’s north.

Emergency services were called to Tambelin Railway Station at Evanston Gardens about 8.15am.

Rhyle Abiado was transported to hospital with critical injuries, but is now in a stable condition.

In a statement to the families of Trinity College students, head of school Nick Hately

called for safety upgrades to Tambelin Station where the incident occurred.

“This particular station needs a pedestrian safety barrier,” he said.

A day later, a woman was hit by a train near Terminus St and McLean Ave at the Grange rail crossing.

The 74-year-old local woman was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

The Advertiser understands the crossings involved in the incidents were not due for upgrades.