Freight Train Derails After Collision with Truck Near Bribbaree, NSW
A freight train derailed near Bribbaree, NSW, early this morning after colliding with a B-double truck transporting sheep at the Mary Gilmore Way level crossing. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:40 am on September 26th, has led to investigations and renewed calls for improved safety measures at the notorious crossing.
Details of the Incident
The truck, travelling north towards Grenfell, collided with the eastbound Pacific National bulk haulage train, which was en route to Quandialla. According to initial reports, the truck driver, a female passenger, and the train driver escaped serious injury. The passenger, a woman in her 20s, was transported to Young Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The collision resulted in the derailment of five wagons completely and two wagons partially. Fortunately, the train was not loaded at the time of the accident. Sadly, at least 12 sheep have died because of the crash.
Aftermath and Investigation
Emergency crews, including officers from the Hume Police District and the NSW Rural Fire Service, are on the scene. Police have confirmed an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Motorists are advised to avoid the area while emergency services work to clear the scene. The ARTC is working with Pacific National to recover the derailed wagons.
“The driver would have been driving into the sun at that hour of the morning. He's tried to avoid the train and then hit the train with the left side of the vehicle,” a source reported.
The rail line will remain closed for the rest of the day while investigations and site inspections are conducted. The full extent of the damage to the track will not be known until all the wagons have been removed.
History of Accidents and Community Concerns
This incident has reignited community anger, as the level crossing has been the site of two previous serious train-truck collisions in recent years. These occurred in February 2020 and December 2022.
- February 2020: A truck collided with a freight train, resulting in a derailment, but the driver escaped injury.
- December 2022: A prime mover collided with an eastbound freight train, causing the trailer to break away. The truck driver was not injured.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
NSW Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has been a strong advocate for safety enhancements at the crossing. While upgrades were implemented in 2023, including radar-activated LED stop signs and advanced warning lights, Ms. Cooke believes more needs to be done.
She has made urgent representations to the Minister, calling for the installation of boom gates and flashing lights. According to Ms Cooke, "It has been the site of numerous incidents and is one of several passive train crossings in our region where we have repeatedly called for the installation of boom gates and flashing lights to prevent accidents and save lives."
Ms. Cooke added that the "speed limit on approach is 100 km/h, and multiple drivers have reported that the early morning sun makes visibility almost impossible," meaning that "with proper active warning systems in place, accidents like today’s will likely occur again”. Ms Cooke has emphasized that the situation can no longer be addressed with "band-aid solutions".