Frankston man, 30, dies after horror train, truck smash in North Shore

A man killed a horrific collision between a truck and a train at a level crossing in North Shore on Monday has been identified.

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal collision at a level crossing in North Shore. Picture: Brad Fleet

A man killed in a horrific smash between a truck and train at North Shore has been identified.

It is believed a V/Line train collided with a truck at the Station St level crossing just after 12pm on Monday.

Police confirmed the truck driver, a 30-year-old Frankston man, died at the scene.

“Passengers from the V/Line train were evacuated,” police said.

“No one else was injured during the incident.

“The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined at this stage.”

It’s understood the truck driver was out of the vehicle at the time of the crash after the trailer, known as a loader, bottomed out on the tracks.

It is commonly used for hauling heavy machinery.

A police drone was deployed to survey the area, with crime scene services working hard to piece together how the horrific accident unfolded only about 100m from North Shore station.

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal collision at a level crossing in North Shore. Picture: Brad Fleet

Corio resident, Wayne Duffin, said he could see a “big orange tarp” at the scene with a V/Line train “derailed”.

“It was a massive crash,” he said.

“There was a truck with an enormous piece of machinery on the back of it and that is all jammed up against the train.

“We’ve heard the train cleaned him up, the poor bugger.

“The whole train has been derailed.”

The truck’s trailer could be seen parallel with the tracks and its wheels damaged.

The cab of the truck appeared relatively unscathed while the train had smashed windows.

North Shore local Steve, who lives across Station St from the level crossing, said he was at home at the time of the smash.

“I was sitting in the kitchen and I heard a big thump,” he said.

“I looked out the window and I could still see the dust, I went over to help but nothing could be done.”

He said the level crossing was notorious among locals, however, he believed this was the worst accident he’d witnessed.

“My family’s lived here since the 50s, and this is the worst I’ve seen here,” he said.

“Those boom gates probably get fixed every six months.”

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal collision at a level crossing in North Shore. Picture: Brad Fleet

A V/Line spokesman said on Tuesday afternoon that services had resumed on the Geelong line.

“Services have now resumed on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines and we thank our passengers for their patience while we worked to get them to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

“We extend our thoughts to those affected by this tragic incident and continue to provide the train driver and workers with the necessary support during this difficult time.”

“We extend our thoughts to those affected by this tragic incident.”

Significant work was undertaken overnight to lift the damaged train back onto the tracks using a crane and it has been safely taken to the Geelong rail yards for further inspections.

V/Line crews worked through the night to replace sleepers, realign the track and complete welding works and the all-clear for trains to resume occurred just before 12.30pm.

Passengers are advised to check the V/Line website, app or social media for the latest information before they travel.

V/Line will offer all necessary support to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, who will conduct investigations into the incident.

The company will also assist police as required and conduct our own internal investigation.

The North Shore Road level crossing is managed and maintained by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and we are also working with them to restore the level crossing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Frankston man, 30, dies after horror train, truck smash in North Shore