Australian Transport Safety Bureau releases final report into fatal Barwon Tce level crossing collision

An investigation into the fatal collision of a truck and V/Line train at the Barwon Tce level crossing in April 2023 has found an “emerging risk” was not identified despite regular inspections.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its final report into an April 2023 fatal collision between a truck and empty passenger train at the Barwon Tce level crossing in South Geelong. Image: Office of the Chief Investigator.

An unsealed road that allowed unsafe access to the Barwon Tce level crossing in South Geelong has been found to be the key contributing factor to an April 2023 fatal collision between a truck and V/Line train.

The Office of the Chief Investigator, on behalf of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, released its final report on Friday afternoon into the horrific smash that cost the life of the 57-year-old Ocean Grove tip truck driver.

The train, with only a driver and conductor on-board, was travelling south on its way to Waurn Ponds station when it collided with the truck at 6.35am travelling at approximately 60km/h.

The truck had recently departed a nearby depot and had turned right onto Barwon Tce from the unsealed road that ran parallel with the train line.

The scene of the fatal collision. Picture: Brad Fleet.

“The configuration of the side road meant vehicles could enter the level crossing even when the level crossing boom gates and flashing lights were operating,” chief investigator Mark Smallwood said.

“After likely becoming aware of the approaching train, the truck driver attempted to reverse their vehicle away from the track.

“However, the train collided with the truck before the truck was clear.”

The train crew were uninjured.

The unsealed road access near the track had developed in recent years.

Investigators obtained CCTV footage that showed vehicles regularly turned right from the unsealed road onto Barwon Tce.

“Although the level crossing was inspected regularly by V/Line, the rail infrastructure manager, those inspections did not include a review of the emerging risks associated with the changing road usage and configuration at the level crossing,” Mr Smallwood said.

“Additionally, the safety interface agreement between rail operators and the City of (Greater) Geelong, as the road manager, was also ineffective in triggering action to monitor the road to rail interface and changing usage.”

The investigation, however, found the hazard was identified by rail infrastructure project workers.

A sign then placed to prohibit users from using the exit route close to the track proved ineffective.

“There was a missed opportunity for identified hazards associated with the level crossing to be brought to the attention of the appropriate operational area of V/Line,” the report stated.

Image: Office of the Chief Investigator.

As a result of the collision, V/Line now requires track inspectors to identify roads or access tracks that bypass crossing controls, while contractors undertaking level crossing assessments are required to identify and report any configurations like the incident location.

“This tragic accident highlights that level crossing inspection regimes should always include checks on any changes that may introduce new hazards and associated risks,” Mr Smallwood concluded.

Originally published as Australian Transport Safety Bureau releases final report into fatal Barwon Tce level crossing collision