Aurizon has issued plea for common sense from motorists after one of its coal trains collided head-on with a sedan between Warra and Macalister on Thursday night, June 30.
The Queensland-based freight and bulk rail operator said on Friday it was “miraculous” the driver of the vehicle was able to escape unhurt just moments before impact.
The incident occurred around midnight between Thursday and Friday last week.
Aurizon says the vehicle veered into the rail corridor and into the path of an oncoming train.
Drivers continuously sounded the klaxon and applied the emergency brake on the train but were unable to stop in time.
Aurizon head of safety Neil Backer said the incident was extremely distressing for the train drivers involved, who were immediately relieved from duty, and are being offered counseling.
“Our crew could carry the memory of this incident with them for the rest of their lives,” Backer said.
“These are hard-working people going about their job like everyone else and no one deserves this sort of experience.
“Our drivers can’t swerve, they can’t dodge, they can only apply the emergency brake and hope to stop in time.
“We’re continually pleading with the community to take absolute care near the rail corridor.
“The images of this collision clearly show the incredible force of a train hitting a car. This driver has narrowly escaped with his life.”
