TasRail sounds alarm after train surfers spotted near Devonport

TRAIN operators have been left shaking their heads after two acts of stupidity on the rail corridor this week.

TRAIN operators have been left shaking their heads after two acts of stupidity on the rail corridor this week.

A member of the public called police after spotting two people wearing black beanies running along the top of wagons on a moving train as it approached Devonport about 4pm on Tuesday.

“The train was stopped and the yard and wagons were searched by police for any people but nobody was found,” TasRail spokeswoman Sarah Hirst said.

“Rail corridors are not a place to play. It’s extremely alarming that so many people continue to illegally access the rail corridor in Tasmania.”

In a separate incident, about three hours later, a driver failed to stop and collided with a train wagon at a level crossing on Deviation Rd near Westbury, causing minor damage to their car.

“Tas Rail urges all drivers to obey level crossing signals and signs,” Ms Hirst said.

“A train weighs up to 2000 tonnes and a crash with a vehicle or pedestrian will never have a good outcome.”

Damage caused after a sedan failed to stop at a level crossing near Westbury and collided with a train carriage.

The train wagon which was hit by the car. Picture: TasRail’s Facebook page

The reckless behaviour follows reports of trespassing and vandalism on Tasmanian railways in the Mercury last month.

MORE: CALL TO CLEAN UP RAIL ROUTE AMID SPIKE IN TRESPASSING

Since July 1 last year, 60 trespassers have been reported illegally entering the state’s rail network — up 83 per cent on the 2016-17 financial year.

TasRail images of debris left on and around train tracks.

At the time, TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said striking something on the tracks was a very traumatic experience for train drivers and could end in serious injury or death.

“Our drivers are fed up with having to stop their locomotives and remove a range of items, including microwaves, mattresses, cots, rocks and timber, that have been deliberately dumped onto the tracks,” Mr Dietrich said.

“The people that are placing these items on the rail are illegally trespassing in the rail corridor and are at serious risk of being hit by one of our trains.”

TasRail asks anyone who witnesses trespassing in the rail corridor to immediately call 1300 TASRAIL (1300 827 724), Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

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