A shocking accident has occurred in regional Victoria, where a truck carrying an excavator and a passenger train have collided, leaving many shaken but fortunately, no serious injuries reported.
The incident happened near Kilmany, around 10am on Tuesday, on the Princes Highway.
What Happened?
According to Victoria Police, the truck was towing a trailer with an excavator when it was struck by an oncoming V/Line train.
Both drivers and up to 50 passengers on board the train were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries. Thankfully, no one was hospitalised.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the collision is still unknown, and an investigation is currently underway. Police are urging any witnesses to come forward and share any information they may have.
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been notified, and a V/Line spokesperson has assured that they will work with authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Scene of the Accident
Images from the scene show the excavator tipped on its side next to the train line, with fuel spilled during the incident.
The state Environment Protection Authority has confirmed that the spill will require cleaning up. Elderly passengers were seen being helped from the train carriage down ladders, while others were forced to lug their suitcases and bags on foot past emergency service workers.
The train’s windscreen was completely shattered.
Disruptions to Train Services
As a result of the incident, buses are replacing trains between Traralgon and Bairnsdale. V/Line has apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their patience while they work to get them to their destination as quickly and safely as possible.
Prioritizing Safety
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety on our roads and railways.
V/Line has assured that safety is their top priority and they will work closely with authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.