‘Very graphic’: TasRail contractor dead in Evandale excavator roll

Police have confirmed the driver of an excavator has died on the job in northern Tasmania this morning and remains under the vehicle. LATEST >>

Tasmania Police have confirmed an excavator driver has died after his vehicle rolled while driving on train tracks in northern Tasmania on Wednesday morning.

This incident occurred at Evandale Rd, Evandale about 10.45am this morning.

Snr Sgt Mike Gillies said a second person also received injuries as a result of the excavator rollover and was transported to hospital as a precautionary measure.

According to Snr Sgt Gillies, the driver, who was from Victoria, was performing subcontracting work for TasRail when the incident occurred as he drove along the tracks.

Up to four colleagues may have witnessed the fatality.

Snr Sgt Gillies declined to provide an age for the deceased and said his next of kin had not been notified, as at 2.30pm.

The deceased remained under the vehicle, which required a 50-tonne crane and two additional excavators to remove, until Wednesday evening.

The road reopened at 8.45pm.

Worksafe Tasmania attended the site and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

A Victorian man has died after an excavator he was driving rolled at Evandale, Tasmania, 20/07/2022, while he was performing subcontracting work for TasRail. Picture: Alex Treacy

Snr Sgt Gillies noted the fatality would not count towards Tasmania’s official road toll.

A passer-by who didn’t witness the accident but was driving past shortly after said a member of Tasmania Police described the scene as “very graphic”.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

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