Train drivers die in truck smash

Two Queensland train drivers were killed yesterday afternoon when a semi-trailer smashed into their tilt train at a level crossing, about 5 km from Cardwell in north Queensland.

Up to 85 people were believed to have been injured during the accident.

Emergency rescue helicopters were dispatched from Cairns and Townsville to assist in the rescue yesterday.

The 63-year-old truck driver was taken to Cairns Base Hospital with serious injuries.

Several people reported the lights at the Cardwell level crossing site may have been faulty, the Sydney Morning Herald said.

Transport minister John Mickel gave an assurance that the accident would be thoroughly investigated.

"Rail accidents like this are always shocking events, and the loss of two lives adds a further dimension of seriousness and grief,” he said.

"We are also doing whatever we can to assist and expedite investigations into the cause and circumstances of this accident.”

A 52-year-old woman from Garfield, 40 km east of Melbourne was killed two weeks ago.

Another mother and daughter were killed in Melbourne when their four-wheel-drive hit a V/Line passenger train at Considines Road, Modewarre, in March.

The vehicle was dragged about 150 metres from the crossing before coming to a rest on its roof.