Truck, loaded passenger train collide in eastern Victoria

A truck and busy passenger train have collided in regional Victoria.

A truck and a train with more than 50 passengers on board collided in country Victoria. Picture: Facebook

A truck and a train full with passengers have collided in regional Victoria.

The crash happened near Kilmany, about 10am on Tuesday.

“Officers were told a trailer carrying an excavator, being towed by a truck on Princes Highway, was struck by an oncoming passenger V/Line train about 10.10am,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

No one was seriously injured. Picture: Facebook

“Both drivers and up to 50 passengers on-board were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries.

“No one was hospitalised.”

The cause of the collision is yet to be determined, and an investigation is under way.

Police have called for any witnesses to come forward.

About 50 people were on-board the train. Picture: Facebook

Police say a truck carrying an excavator was hit by the train. Picture: Facebook

Fuel was spilt during the incident and would require cleaning up, the state Environment Protection Authority confirmed.

Images from the scene show the excavator has been tipped; the machine is on its side next to the train line.

Elderly people can be shown being helped from the train carriage down ladders, social media posts show.

In other images, travellers are seen lugging suitcases and bags on foot past scores of emergency service workers. The train windscreen has been totally shattered.

Buses are replacing trains between Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been notified.

A V/Line spokesperson said it would work with authorities on the investigation.

“We thank passengers for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly and safely as possible following an incident at a crossing near Kilmany,” the spokesperson said.

“Safety is our priority and we will work with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.”