Grandmother’s accidental death at Hampton level crossing sparks calls for safety upgrades

A beloved grandmother hit and killed by a train last week, causing widespread commuter chaos, has been remembered as “spritely”, as her family called for safety upgrades at nearby level crossings.

A beloved grandmother hit and killed by a train last week has been remembered as “spritely”, as her family called for safety upgrades at nearby level crossings.

Gloria Holmes, 83, was walking her granddaughter’s dog, Jack, when she crossed at a level crossing on Holyrood St, Hampton, and was hit shortly after 4pm on Monday.

It is believed Mrs Holmes was not wearing her hearing aid and did not see or hear the train coming.

“To lose her with this way … she was getting old and I knew something might happen, but not this,” daughter Lesley ­Mather said.

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Jack, the dog, miraculously survived and his microchip helped police track down Mrs Holmes’ heartbroken family.

The accident caused peak-hour chaos across the city and tore a giant hole in her family’s life.

Ms Holmes’ family says the tragic accident should never have been able to happen, fearing another death if something is not done.

Gloria Holmes died when hit by a train at a level crossing while walking dog Jack. Picture: Tim Carrafa

It is understood that gates were active at the Holyrood St crossing but are installed at other nearby crossings along the line.

Mrs Mather, 63, called for improved safety precautions along the rail line.

“Something has got to be done urgently,” she told the Herald Sun. “It could happen again next week.”

The rail crossings are popular with young children, especially in summer, according to granddaughter Simone Palamara.

“It could have been a young child,” she said. “Nothing like this should happen again.”

Mrs Holmes moved to Melbourne from England in 2000 to be with her daughter and grandchildren after her husband, Norman, died.

“She came out here and made a life for herself in Hampton,” her daughter said. “People adored her everywhere she went.”

The “spritely” woman kept herself busy with Probus Club, croquet club, Vocally Wild choir, volunteer work at an op shop and walking little Jack.

Daughter Lesley Mather and granddaughter Simone Palamara remember their beloved Gloria. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“She adored Jack and he adored her,” Miss Palamara said. “He’s a bit lost, I think — he’s really going to miss her.”

Despite immigrating almost two decades ago, Mrs Holmes never lost her fondness for the motherland.

“If you go into her house, straight to the left you’ll see a framed picture of the Queen with Union Jacks,” Miss Palamara said.

“Not many pictures of us, but lots of the Queen.”

She even had an English-themed 80th birthday party, complete with a Union Jack cake and flags draped on the tables.

Mrs Holmes had lived with her granddaughter on Beach Rd for many years.

“She always had a full face of make-up and her hair done, from the crack of dawn, regardless of whether she was sitting at home doing nothing all day or going out,” Miss Palamara said.

“She had a dry sense of humour — it’s going to be very lonely in the house without her.”

The family wanted to thank emergency services who attended the scene and the girl who were rushed to check on the elderly woman after witnessing the accident.

Flowers at the Hampton rail crossing where Mrs Holmes was killed by a train.

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Other Hampton residents have expressed concern over the stretch of train line between Holyrood St and Hampton station.

Mother of two, Melissa Morgan, has an escape plan ready every time she crosses the line in Hampton.

“I’ve had a conversation with my husband about what to do if my pram wheel got stuck,” she said. “You don’t get a lot of time.”

Speaking last Tuesday, Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would wait for findings from the state coroner.

“We have to let the coroner do their important work,” Mr Andrews said.

“If there are learnings for this particular incident … the government will look at that very carefully.”

Public Transport Victoria CEO Jeroen Weimar said: “This was a tragic accident — our hearts go out to the family in their loss.

“We also undertake ongoing work to remind people of the risks around crossings and urge everyone to be aware of these dangers.”

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