Key Takeaways
- Two men, aged 35 and 22, were killed in a fatal collision between their car and a freight train at a level crossing in regional Victoria.
- The incident occurred at Reddies Road in Cressy, approximately 140 kilometers west of Melbourne, at around 10:15am on Tuesday.
- The train driver and two other staff onboard the train survived the crash.
- Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
- The level crossing where the incident occurred did not have any signals or boom gates.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, when a car was struck by a freight train at a level crossing in regional Victoria, resulting in the deaths of two men. The victims, a 35-year-old from Beeac and a 22-year-old from Cororooke, were pronounced dead at the scene. The train driver and two other staff members onboard the train were fortunate to have survived the crash. Emergency services were quickly called to the scene, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is currently underway.
Investigation and Response
Police are working to establish the events leading up to the fatal collision and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them. According to Colac Highway Patrol Sergeant Jake Andrew, the vehicle was traveling south and came to a brief stop before entering the train line, but for unknown reasons, failed to exit the train line. The Australian Rail Track Corporation, the government-owned company responsible for managing the nation’s interstate rail network, is also investigating the incident. The company has extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Details of the Incident
The level crossing where the incident occurred is located on Reddies Road in Cressy, approximately 140 kilometers west of Melbourne. The crossing does not have any signals or boom gates, which has raised concerns about the safety of the crossing. The train involved in the incident was traveling from Perth to Melbourne and belonged to transport logistics service SCT. The rail line on which the crash occurred is a major freight line between Melbourne and Adelaide and also carries the passenger train the Overland twice a week in each direction.
Impact and Statistics
This incident marks the first train-related death in Victoria since April 2023, when a truck driver died after being hit by an empty V-Line passenger train at South Geelong. The number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year is currently at 11, which is down from 20 in the first three weeks of 2025. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance when approaching level crossings.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing, and police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The level crossing where the incident occurred has since reopened, and the community is coming to terms with the loss of two young lives. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember the importance of road safety and the need for caution when approaching level crossings. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of accidents and the need for continued efforts to improve road safety in Victoria.