Cockle Train back in action after fatal crash at McCracken – but immediate safety upgrades ruled out
A council has ruled out safety upgrades to Cockle Train crossings in the near future – as the local mayor says Thursday’s crash was the first at that site.
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Victor Harbor Council has ruled out immediate safety upgrades around Cockle Train crossings, after an elderly tourist was killed in a shocking crash on Thursday.
The 87-year-old man on holiday from overseas died after being hit by the popular tourist train at McCracken.
The pedestrian was struck while trying to cross the train at a set of stairs, during the train’s final journey of the day from Goolwa to Victor Harbor.
There were up to 150 passengers on the train – run by SteamRanger Heritage Railway – at the time who were returned to Victor Harbor on buses.
Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins said the council would wait for a report from the Coroner to examine any recommendations before any changes.
“Our hearts go out to the family of the man involved, this was a terrible tragedy and we offer our sincere condolences,” Dr Jenkins said.
“There hasn’t been an accident at that site previously.
“I would hesitate to say anything until we get the recommendations from the Coroner in relation to anything that may need to be done.
“If there’s anything we need to do as a council to make that area safer, then we’ll work with SteamRanger to do that.
“I don’t want to pre-empt any recommendations from those reports.
“It’s important to get the Coroner’s report and the police and then see how things can be improved in relation to safety in that area.”
Dr Jenkins said the fatal collision couldn’t be compared to other crashes involving the Cockle Train since 2021.
In June last year, the Cockle Train hit a truck approaching a level crossing at Middleton.
In 2022, a woman was fined after she and her children somehow escaped injury when the Cockle Train collided with their car at Port Elliot.
In 2021, a driver escaped with minor injuries after their car was pushed six metres down the track by the train in Victor Harbor.
“They are very different to this tragedy,” she said.
“I think it’s important to wait until we have the reports by the professionals in terms of how to improve safety in the area.”
The train was back up and running on Friday.
Police have finished their investigations in relation to the incident, however the details are unknown.
A report is still being prepared for the Coroner.
A Victor Harbor Council spokesperson said the truck crash at Middleton was outside its boundary.
Track infrastructure, including the main traffic control warning devices, is maintained by SteamRanger.
Victor Harbor Council maintains all pedestrian and road crossings beyond 1m from the outside rail.
Dr Jenkins urged anyone who witnessed the crash and was having difficulty coping, to reach out to mental health professionals for help.
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