Mick Warren, Kevin Baker identified as drivers killed in train, truck tragedy on Barrier Highway

Friends and workmates are grieving the loss of two respected train drivers killed in a horror crash on Sunday – with one about to welcome his sixth grandchild.

• Man charged over horror train fatal

One of two respected train drivers killed in a horror crash on Sunday has been remembered as an “excellent” golfer and workmate, while his colleague was due to welcome his sixth grandchild.

Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48, both from Port Augusta, were in the locomotive when it struck a road train at a level crossing on the Barrier Highway just west of the NSW border into South Australia.

The 75-year-old truck driver, from Queensland, was taken to Broken Hill Hospital with minor injuries and has since been charged.

Mr Baker’s sister, Wendy Barnes, said his death was “devastating” and would be widely felt.

She said he leaves behind his partner of 29 years, Petrea Ellis, and children Taryn, Rhys, Tyler, Dylan and Joel – plus five grandchildren and a sixth on the way.

“We are gutted by his loss,” she said.

He will also be missed by a second sister, Marianne Curley.

Mr Warren’s friend, Chris Baker, said he joined the rail industry in the late 1990s as a junior, and was soon regarded as a pleasure to work with and an excellent workmate who had a “no nonsense” approach to the job.

Mr Warren’s name is etched in the record books at the Port Augusta Golf Club, winning several A Grade championships.

Mick Warren, 48, and Kevin Baker, 57, were both killed in the collision with the truck.

“He was one of the best – if not the best – golfers, just excellent but extremely modest,” Mr Baker said. “He was a pleasure to play with.”

He said a putting tip Mr Warren passed on just recently had proven expert advice that had since helped his grandson improve his game.

“That was the kind of man he was,” Mr Baker said.

Mr Warren was also a respected Rail Tram and Bus Union delegate who “didn’t carry on”.

“He wasn’t a nonsense rep,” Mr Baker said. “He was real, down to earth.”

Golf club members toasted Mr Warren’s memory at a New Year’s Eve show.

Meanwhile, Pacific National chief operating officer Patrick O’Donnell travelled from Queensland to Port Augusta on Monday to offer support to the families and colleagues of the two drivers.

“Our priority is on our people,” he said. “No doubt the families are doing it pretty tough at the moment.”

Mr O’Donnell paid tribute to the two men as experienced train drivers, each having served more than 10 years with the company.

He said they were the only two workers on the train, and both were in the front cabin at the time of the crash.

The train, which had been travelling from Sydney to Perth, had authority to pass through the level crossing.

Mr O’Donnell said the collision caused the train to derail and “concertina”, which is when the rear runs into the front.

Mick Warren was one of two train drivers killed in the horror truck collision on Barrier Highway, Bindarrah. Picture: 7NEWS

“That is, no doubt, what resulted in the tragic loss of two of PN’s train crew,” he said.

He said other factors, including whether the truck was moving or stationary, would form part of separate investigations by police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Pacific National.

“Importantly, we will need to download and get a copy of the event recorder, which is effectively a bit like a black box for the train,” he said.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation and, if there are learnings from it, we’ll absolutely share them.”

Video cameras were also installed on the train, with footage to form part of inquiries.

Mr O’Donnell said the level crossing at Bindarrah, where the crash happened, was fitted with signage, road markings and flashing lights.

He said that particular crossing had not been brought to his attention as being especially risky.

“A freight train between Sydney and Perth travels about 4500km, so the number of level crossings that we have is substantial,” he said.

“But we always welcome investment to improve them.”

Two train drivers have been killed in horror truck collision on the Barrier Highway, Bindarrah. Picture: Andrew Gosling

Mr O’Donnell a reminder to motorists to take care around level crossings.

“Freight trains can’t stop suddenly. If you are crossing train tracks, you need to make sure that they’re clear,” he said.

The track remains closed while the clean-up operation continues, and Pacific National trains have been diverted through Melbourne.

The Barrier Highway has reopened with a 25km/h speed limit in the Bindarrah area, this is expected to be in place over the next three days.

Cranes have been brought in from Port Augusta to assist in the clean-up and clearing the containers, while the road damaged road surface will be inspected for safety.

Major Crash Investigators have subsequently arrested the truckie and charged him with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He did not apply for bail and will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The deaths are the 115th and 116th lives lost on SA roads compared with 71 at the same time last year.