Volunteer crew member flown to hospital after slipping off train at rail level near Walhalla
A volunteer driver has been flown to hospital after he slipped off a train at ground level near a gold mining town in Gippsland.
Bass Coast News
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A volunteer crew member has been flown to hospital after he slipped off stationary train at rail level near an old Gippsland town.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Walhalla Rd near Walhalla just after 12.30pm on Wednesday, September 11.
A VICSES spokesperson said volunteers from Moe were called to the incident following reports of a potential need for a high angle rescue.
“Upon arrival, VICSES supported FRV and CFA units in extricating a single patient who had fallen approximately 6-8m down an incline,” the spokesperson said.
“Traversing difficult terrain, a Fire Rescue Victoria High Angle Rescue Team, assisted by CFA and Victoria Police, led the extraction of the man from the creek bed,” an FRV spokesperson said.
“The incident was deemed under control at 2.13pm and the patient was transferred to Ambulance Victoria (air ambulance) at 2.34pm.”
Erica & District Fire Brigade took to their Facebook page the volunteer had fallen down a steep embankment into Stringers Creek.
“A control point was set up at Thomson Station and an operational command point was set up at the site of the incident,” the brigade wrote.
“Ambulance Victoria crews along with a high angle crew from Fire Rescue Victoria extricated the patient by stretcher, carrying him up the embankment to the track and then back to Thomson Station via an MTV.
“Our thanks to FRV, Ambulance Victoria, SES Tyers Fire Brigade and the volunteers at Walhalla Goldfields Railway for their assistance this afternoon.
“We wish the volunteer a speedy recovery.”
Walhalla Goldfields Railway said in a statement on Facebook the train stopped briefly for “operational purposes” at Happy Creek Station and on-board passengers were unaffected.
“One of our volunteer train crew members has been injured whilst moving around at rail level,” the statement said.
“Relevant government agencies have been notified.
“We wish him (the volunteer) all the best for a full recovery — further information will be provided once more details are known.”
Several users commented and wished the crew member a quick and safe recovery.
On Thursday, Walhalla Goldfields Railway shared an update to their Facebook page.
“We wish to advise that further investigation in yesterday’s incident by rail safety authorities is continuing, and the injured volunteer driver remains under hospital care,” they wrote.
“However, whilst this matter remains under active assessment at the site, WGR will not be permitted to resume normal services until approval is granted.
“Therefore our scheduled trains for Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September will not operate — passengers have the option of opting for a full refund or transferring to another date.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused, but this is a very tough time for the volunteer driver and his family as well as his many friends at WGR and the broader railway sector.”
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