Deaths and Injury - Tilt train involved in crossing crash with a truck

[SteelPan]

Seems a Tilt has come a cropper in Nth Qld.  Dark day.  Mind you, a few people thought questions were left unanswered after the last near fatal accident a few years back up Bundy way. 

[ozbob]

Quite frankly, I am devastated that another level crossing accident has occurred.  We don't know what has happened, but it is time that heavy vehicles were forced to stop, look, listen and only proceed if safe to do so.  It is possible that crossing warning lights might have failed, so we will need to wait until circumstances become clearer in the fullness of time before assigning any blame.  Some states require buses to stop, maybe it is time that all heavy vehicles were required to stop.

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Two dead, 85 injured in NQ train crash
November 27, 2008 - 5:00PM

Two people are confirmed as dead and 85 people are believed to be injured after a crash between a tilt train and a semi trailer at Cardwell in North Queensland about 3pm.

The crash has taken place about 2.50pm about two kilometres north of the Cardwell Range at a train crossing on the Bruce Highway.

The engine rolled over in the collision but the passenger carriages had remained upright, a Department of Emergency Services spokeswoman said.

Emergency crews have arrived at the scene. Information about further casualties is beding sought.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area as the highway is expected to be closed for several hours.

There is no further information at this stage i

[ozbob]

Article from the Courier Mail 27 Nov 08 5.26pm click here!

Two dead after truck and Tilt train collide
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Anna Caldwell, Janelle Miles and Emma Chalmers

November 27, 2008 04:06pm

DEVELOPING: TWO people have died and many others are believed to been injured after a semi-trailer and a tilt train collided in far north Queensland.

The semi and the Tilt train collided about  near Cardwell just after 3pm in a crash couriermail.com.au understands claimed two lives.

An emergency services spokesman said details were scarce, but it was believed 85 passengers had been injured.  However Queensland Rail said there were 81 passengers on the train and none had been seriously injured.

Emergency rescue choppers have been dispatched from Cairns and Townsville to assist.

The train was travelling from Brisbane to Cairns when the collision happened on the Bruce Highway level crossing at Conn.

The crossing in question is protected by flashing lights. It is not known at this stage whether the lights failed at the time of the collision.

A QR spokesman confirmed the train had 81 passengers on board.

Two are confirmed dead, but QR said none of the passengers were seriously injured.

Passengers are in the process of being transported to Townsville by bus.

The QR spokesman said the passengers would be offered counselling when they arrived.

If you are worried about a family member on the train call 13 22 32.

A Cairns Hospital spokesman said four people were believed to be trapped in the front carriage.

Cairns, Tully and Innisfail hospitals are all on standby after the crash and a control centre has been set up at Townsville Hospital.
Many of the injured have been described as ``walking wounded'' but emergency services officials are still analysing the scene.

Passengers who can travel on will be sent in buses to Cairns.

The engine rolled over in the collision but the passenger carriages had remained upright, an Emergency Services spokeswoman said.

The Bruce Highway is closed.

The last major incident involving the Tilt train was a derailment in 2004. There were no fatalities in that incident.

Transport Minister John Mickel this afternoon told State Parliament the tragic accident had claimed the life of one person, however he said further details of the incident were still unclear.

"The details at this stage are sketchy, but it appears that a Tilt Train has collided with a truck in far northern Queensland,'' he told State Parliament.

"Obviously on behalf of the House I do extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the loved one who was involved in this.

"Words are at times, fail me in expressing my grief on these situations, however I want the family of the bereaved to know that I want them to draw strength from the fact that every Honourable Member in this House is thinking of them in their difficult time of unimaginable grief.''

[O_128]

Trucks do think they own the road,while it is common sense to allow a trian to pass a lot think il make it ,ill make it then bam

[ozbob]

Media Release 27th November 2008

Australia:  Our sincere condolences

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has expressed our heartfelt and sincere condolences to families and friends of all concerned with the recent tragic level crossing crash in Cardwell North Queensland.  It is day of tragedy for Australia with sad events also overseas.

Robert Dow, on behalf of RAIL Back On Track said:

"On behalf of our members I would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and injured, and to all at Queensland Rail and to the trucking industry our thoughts are with you."

"Australia has many railway crossings.  It is time that a national policy was implemented. The unfortunate level crossing crash in Cardwell highlights again that action is needed."

"It is time all heavy vehicles were required to stop, look and listen, and then proceed with caution at all railway crossings. This would include all trucks and buses.  Unfortunately level crossing warning lights, booms and gates can fail."

"This could be enacted overnight in every state. Installing further protection such as booms or gates at most railway crossings is then required as soon as possible, particularly in view of the increased speed of today's trains."

"Standard traffic lights should also be incorporated as further protection on approaches to level crossings. Conditioning of all drivers is such that they are more likely to respond to a red traffic light."

"We said the same thing on the 6th June 2007 following the crash in Kerang Victoria."

"How many more deaths will it take before decisive action is taken?"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
27/11/2008

TILT TRAIN LEVEL CROSSING ACCIDENT TO BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED

Transport Minister John Mickel and transport and rail chiefs will travel to north Queensland tonight and visit the scene of the level crossing accident early tomorrow.

Mr Mickel said the accident would be thoroughly investigated, and this process would include a independent investigation.

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

"On behalf of the government, I want to extend sincere condolences to the families of those who were tragically killed in this accident.

"We will offer the families concerned any support they may require at this time.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been injured. We will make sure that they also are assisted as required, and are providing support and counselling to all those involved.

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

27 November 2008

==============================================================

[ozbob]

Photograph Channel 10

[ozbob]

Video --> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/?rid=44098

[ozbob]

I have just listened to a number of truckies commenting on these crossings north of Cardwell on 612 ABC Radio talkback.  There was some mention of failures of the lights, and sometimes they flash continuously.  All of them mentioned the difficulty of stopping the trucks in time if the lights go on.  The answer for immediate time is slow down and stop.  Look and proceed when safe to do so.  Further warning lights are needed out from the crossings, this is where traffic lights could be useful.  Red when the crossing lights flash, a yellow in a warning period.  Green when crossing open and train not in the vicinity.

An earlier Transport spokesman mentioned that this crossing was one that is marked for an upgrade, a road overbridge.

Ultimately this is the only fail safe solution (bar a vehicle crashing off the bridge onto the line!).

[O_128]

maybe say a k efore the crossings reduce the limit the 50kms an hour?
Also what damage is there to the train

[ozbob]

Sadly Mario, the main damage appears to be to the lead unit.

--> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/?rid=44098

[ozbob]

RIP

From the Courier Mail click here!

Tilt train crash blamed on faulty signals

Tilt train crash blamed on faulty signals
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Michael Wray, Peter Michael, Brett Judge and Anna Caldwell

November 27, 2008 11:00pm

FAULTY signals at a level crossing have been blamed for a horror crash between a truck and a Tilt Train that killed two people in north Queensland.

Witnesses claimed the signals were not operating properly after a severe storm swept through the area hours before the train carrying 81 people slammed into the semi-trailer at an innocuous crossing over the Bruce Highway at about 2.50pm.

Two train drivers - Richard Weathrell, 54, and a man whose name has not been released - were killed and a number of passengers were injured in the collision, which snapped the truck from its trailer.

The train engine also rolled and twisted but the carriages remained upright.

Emergency crews that arrived on the scene were amazed that so many passengers and the truck driver escaped serious injury.

The crash is the latest in a string of safety problems that have plagued the iconic Tilt Train since its introduction in 1998.

The train was travelling from Brisbane to Cairns yesterday when tragedy struck about 30km south of Cardwell, where the train line crosses the Bruce Highway.

A witness travelling behind the truck last night told The Courier-Mail that flashing lights at the crossing were not working.

He said he watched the southbound truck cross into the path of the diesel-powered train, which can reach speeds of 160km/h.

Marine Hotel owner Margaret Power said all power had been cut to Cardwell after an electrical storm passed south of the town about 1pm.

"We've got two train lines here that we have to cross over here from Cardwell to get to Ingham," Ms Power said.

"The first lights were working and the trucks all crossed over and then when they got down to this one it wasn't working.

"The truck driver's just gone into the train.

"No lights were working."

Queensland Rail would not comment on whether the lights failed at the time of the collision.

But Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees state secretary Greg Smith called for an urgent review of level crossings in Queensland.

"This crossing was protected by lights and not boom gates, which is an issue we have been raising for some time," he said.

"Unfortunately it's been on the boil that something tragic was going to happen."

In Parliament last night, Transport Minister John Mickel extended his sympathies to the families of the dead men.

"I want them (the families of the victims) to draw strength from the fact that every honourable Member in this house is thinking of them in their difficult time of unimaginable grief," he said.

Mr Mickel pledged that there would be a thorough and independent investigation into the tragedy.

"We are also doing whatever we can to assist and expedite the investigation into the cause and circumstances of this accident," he said.

The crash comes almost four years to the day that 120 passengers were injured when a speeding Tilt Train derailed at Rosedale, 60km north of Bundaberg.

The official investigation into that crash found that a ham sandwich may have played a part in the crash.

The report found the driver believed he had passed a critical turn in the track and that "he may have decided to access his bag and/or get some food from the mini fridge".

The speed of the Tilt Trains was limited after that crash and the restrictions were lifted only last year back to the maximum 160km/h.

In the aftermath of yesterday's crash, paramedics set up an emergency triage to cope with the wounded passengers.

One passenger was airlifted to Townsville Base Hospital with serious chest injuries.

Uninjured passengers were taken to Townsville by bus, where they were offered counselling and accommodation on arrival.

Mayor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Bill Shannon said he was devastated by the "terrible tragedy".

"Two people have died and we will need to get to the bottom of this," Cr Shannon said.

"It is so preliminary but we will need to know if it was a failure of equipment or human error."

Cr Shannon said the level crossing in question was not protected by boom gates and relied on the flashing lights only.

Weather bureau forecaster Geoff Doueal said that there had been rain activity in the area early in the afternoon.

"There could have been storms and winds," Mr Doueal said.

Central Queensland University's Scott Simson, an expert in rail vehicle dynamics and driver performance, said there was nothing unique about Tilt Trains in terms of their performance in accidents, including their braking abilities.

"If this accident has occurred on a crossing then it is hard to see how the train would be at fault," he said.

Witnesses shaken by carnage

Two eyewitnesses have told of the "horror and carnage" as they watched a passenger train plough into a semi trailer on the Bruce Highway.

The father and son, speaking exclusively with The Courier-Mail, told how the northbound Tilt Train "exploded" into the truck.

"It was a James Bond movie. It was sometthing out of 007. And it was a horror film," said the visibly shaken pair, who were first on the scene and rushed to the aid of the critically injured train drivers.

"It was slow motion. And then it was bang and stop.

"The truck was cut in two. And the train spewed off the tracks.

"It was ugly. It was carage. there was metal wreckage and debris strewn everywhere."

[ozbob]

Railways operate at a very high level of safe working.  Human factors do and will come in to play at times.  Signalling systems fail, fact of life.
Governments need to get real and manage the road / rail interface properly.  Beating up again on QR or the trucking industry for that matter,  achieves little.

From Courier Mail click here!

Tilt Train crash another blow to Queensland Rail safety record

Tilt Train crash another blow to Queensland Rail safety record
Article from: The Courier-Mail


Patrick Lion and Philip Hammond

November 27, 2008 11:00pm

QUEENSLAND Rail will come under renewed scrutiny following the latest Tilt Train crash, with calls for an inquiry into the group's safety operations.

The investigation into the crash is likely to focus on witness reports that level crossing lights for traffic on the Bruce Highway did not work properly.

Yesterday's accident was the second involving the tilt train in four years - 120 passengers were injured when the northbound tilt train derailed at Rosedale, north of Bundaberg, in November 2004.

Investigators found that train had been travelling at 112km/h - almost double the 60km/h speed limit - and one of the two drivers had been making coffee when it crashed.

The official investigation into the crash, available on Queensland Transport's website, found that a ham sandwich may have played a part in the accident.

The report found the driver believed he had passed a critical curve in the track and that "he may have decided to access his bag and/or get some food from the mini fridge".

"The finding of two loose packets of 'ham and tasty cheese' sandwiches and a bottle of water in the drivers' cab during examination of the accident scene lends some weight to this possibility," the report said.

The final report shows the driver manually cancelled an alarm alerting him to the fact the train was travelling too fast to stay on the rails.

This year, QR had received 110 claims for compensation as a result of injuries sustained in the derailment and it has paid out almost $360,000 in compensation. The driver also began legal action.

This year The Courier-Mail has revealed ongoing safety issues involving QR, including a 46 per cent spike in trains overshooting red lights, which was 9 per cent above the national average. Damning leaked safety reports revealed a macho culture prevented reporting of safety issues, while staff held concerns at cost-cutting on safety measures.

An April 2008 report said investigations were "minimal" when severe accidents occurred and the implications were neither recognised nor reflected in improved internal systems.

"The array of deficiencies suggest(s) that there is a comprehensive breakdown of basic good housekeeping in terms of safety requirements," the report said.

While drivers blamed human errors for running red lights, some of the 109 breaches last financial year were blamed on technical errors.

Drivers were unable to read the controls after dashboard lights failed, brakes on other occasions felt greasy during breaches while drivers mixed up and misread light signals telling them if sections track ahead were clear.

On one night of the Ekka last year, a train driver ran a red signal after the light extinguished on his console near the Campbell St level crossing at Bowen Hills.

"This meant the driver was unable to see the speedometer, the AWS sundial or the brake gauge," a report obtained under Freedom of Information laws stated.

On November 26, 2006, a Tilt Train overshot a red signal at Northgate by 50m because the crew had their minds elsewhere.

"The basic cause was that the train crew were talking and this distracted them from maintaining observance of the signal," a report stated.

Even before its introduction in 1998, the Tilt Train created controversy.

When premier Peter Beattie announced the $212 million State Government contract to EDI Bombardier, the state Opposition said it had been awarded without a tender process.

Then there was the admission that it took seven years to get an automatic train protection system working on the trains.

[O_128]

Making an educated guess.It appears that the trailer of the truck was hit not the cabin, this means it would have still been going through the lights when the train hit.Although it is hard to blame someone the truck driver was in the wrong as it is much harder for a train t stop in the space of a few meters.I wonder what will happen with the train now though?

My thoughts go out to the people that lost there lives and There families

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Faulty lights to blame for fatal smash: motorist

Faulty lights to blame for fatal smash: motorist
Tony Moore | November 26, 2008

There are unconfirmed reports this morning - backed by several phone calls to ABC Radio last night - that the lights at the fatal  Cardwell level crossing site may have been faulty.

A separate source told brisbanetimes.com.au last night that the tilt train was late leaving Townsville on the way to Cairns yesterday because of signal delays due to storms.

The person said they had been told that the lights at the Cardwell crossing were continuously flashing as though a train was approaching even though none was due.

A truck driver speaking to ABC Radio last night described the same situation, although this could not be confirmed by Queensland Rail.

"They were stuck - they were activated and flashing before I got there at 1.40pm," the caller said.

"So they were flashing at around 1pm."

"I got there at around 1.40pm and they were still flashing, stuck on their flashing mode, to say a train was coming, but there was no train coming.

"The people were going through because what are going to do, sit there until someone comes and kicks you?"

The caller said he had lodged a complaint with local police.

"I called up this evening and told the coppers about them as well, after I heard about the accident."

However a spokesperson for Transport Minister John Mickel said she was unaware of any reports of the lights being faulty.

"They were inspected a month ago and they were in perfect working order," she said.

Innisfail police, where one complaint is alleged to have been made, last night referred all enquiries to police media.

Meanwhile, Queensland Rail's chief marketing officer Lindsay Woodland said he was unaware of any complaints of this type about the lights, but said he anticipated QR's control centre would have picked up such a fault.

"There is no reason to believe that the lights were not working effectively," he told ABC Radio last night.

"That is the information that I have at hand," .

He said these issues would be addressed during the crash investigation.

Two people were killed when the Tilt Train heading north collided with a semi-trailer at the level crossing.

[Derwan]

I personally HATE level crossings - especially the one at Geebung.  I find it amazing that not all level crossings for tilt trains have boom gates.  I believe they do between Brisbane and Rockhampton.

I remember as a kid being told that the train signal just before the level crossing was triggered by the successful activation of the warning lights.  (I.e. no warning lights, the train stops.)  Perhaps this is still the case - with witnesses saying that the lights were stuck "on".

Very sad for all involved - but a tragedy that could have been avoided.

[mufreight]

The loss of life is without doubt tragic and trumatic for those involved,
why did it happen, the obvious conclusion is inattention the question is by whom?
The claim has been made that the crossing signals were faulty holds little credibility, these systems are one would assume in common with all automated railway signaling systems fail safe so that any failure in the system has the crossing signals switch to warning and operate off the backup battery system.
Perhaps there is room for an advance warning (distant signal) for the train crews if their is a system failure which would add a further layer of protection but all crossings particularly main roads over rail should as a minimum be equiped with boom gates and we should revert back to the law of years past when at all level crossings not fitted with gates or booms it was compulsury for all road vehicles over 4 tons to come to a stop before proceeding accross the rail lines.
One would have to note that in this case the road vehicle involved was a B Double.  Perhaps unsuited to safe operation over many Queensland roads and highways.

[Dean Quick]

I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Level crossings are dangerous at any time but the contempt and total disregard for safety
exhibited by many road users at level crossings unfortunately makes this an all too common story. I myself have witnessed irresponsible
behavior at the level crossing at Lindum on the Cleveland line recently. The lights were flashing and boom gates started lowering and then unbelievably, a semi trailer then a car then a motorcyclist all raced across the tracks (3 tracks!) to beat the booms down. The tragic level crossing accidents right across the country we have all seen in recent years are testiment to a lack of effort by the Gov't, various authorities and
road users (especially trucking groups) to stamp out bad behaviour at level crossings.
Massive increases in fines and penalties for crossing infringements would be a good start as well as a concerted effort to improve crossing
visibility with the following;
                                  . Large high visibility warning signs
                                  . Rumble strips
                                  . Clearing any viewing obstructions and vegetation

I fear that without a really strong commitment by everybody to adopt a safer approach to level crossings this accident ,unfortunately, will not be the last.  

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

'Mongrel crossing' had killed before

'Mongrel crossing' had killed before
Staff reporters | November 28, 2008 - 10:40AM

Rail unions this morning described the rail crossing near Cardwell as a 'mongrel crossing' where another accident between a train and a truck several years ago claimed the life of a child and a truck driver.

Yesterday a Brisbane-to-Cairns train ploughed into a truck at the Bruce Highway level crossing about 20 kilometres south of Cardwell, killing the two train drivers - Richard Wetherell and Michael Smithers.

The 63-year-old man driving the semi was taken to Cairns Base Hospital with chest injuries.

Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees representative Greg Smith said there had been several 'near misses' and another fatality some years ago on the same crossing.

Mr Smith said cars and trucks constantly try to beat the lights at the crossing.

"It's a mongrel crossing ... that is what the drivers say," Mr Smith said.

"There are a number of reasons ... there is vegetation on both sides of the crossing and there is very limited view for the traffic to see the train," he said.

"There had been near misses at this particular crossing and unfortunately this is not the first fatality.

"Years ago, there was (a collision) involving a train and a truck - the truck driver and a child died."

This morning Queensland Rail's CEO Lance Hockbridge said there were no problems with the rail lights operating at the level crossing where the Tilt Train - called the City of Townsville - crashed yesterday killing the two train drivers.

However, he said lights were stuck in 'safe mode' and flashing continuously at a crossing eight kilometres away.

"We don't want to pre-empt the findings of independent investigations into the accident that claimed the lives of two QR train drivers, but I am concerned by speculation that the lights were malfunctioning before the collision," Mr Hockridge said.

"I can confirm that the lights at another level crossing eight kilometres away from the accident site were in safe mode and flashing continuously," he said.

"I can also confirm that QR staff tested the lights at the accident site crossing yesterday morning as part of a monitoring program and they were working properly."

"This crossing also has a remote communication system through to a control centre and that system did not indicate that anything was out of order with the lights in the time leading up to the accident."

Meanwhile, law firm Shine Lawyers - who represented a large number of passengers in the 2004 Tilt Train crash - warned Queensland Rail could face multiple law suits from the latest Tilt Train collision.

Shine Lawyers Senior Partner Roger Singh said all passengers deserved compensation from the aftermath of the accident when a semi trailer collided with the Tilt Train yesterday afternoon.

Mr Singh and Shine Lawyers represented a large number of the 120 passengers injured in a Tilt Train crash north of Bundaberg four years ago.

"At this point it is too early to point the finger over the cause of this latest accident but early reports suggest that there might have been a failing of the level crossing," Mr Singh said.

"Whatever the cause, those on board are all without doubt innocent passengers and to this end they all stand to be compensated either by QR and, or the insurer of the truck involved, for injuries and losses that they have sustained," he said.

"In light of the number of passengers injured we anticipate that this matter will develop into a multitude of lawsuits."

Nine of the 81 passengers on board the train have been taken to Ingham Hospital with minor injuries and the remaining passengers were checked by medical staff before driven to Cairns by bus.

An independent signals expert from South Australia will be brought in to investigate the crash.

with AAP

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here, further update of original article.

QR claims signals not to blame for Tilt Train crash

QR claims signals not to blame for Tilt Train crash
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Staff reporters

November 28, 2008 11:50am

QUEENSLAND Rail has insisted that faulty signals did not cause yesterday's fatal smash between a Tilt Train and truck at a North Queensland level crossing.

Witnesses had claimed the signals were not operating properly after a severe storm swept through the area hours before the train carrying 81 people slammed into the semi-trailer at an innocuous crossing over the Bruce Highway at about 2.50pm.

But Queensland Rail CEO Lance Hockridge told ABC Radio today the crossing signals were checked twice a week and had been given the all-clear early by a technician yesterday morning.

"This crossing was checked at 8.30am and was working normally. This crossing is monitored electronically by a train control systems and there are electronic warnings .. and there were no warnings," Mr Hockridge said.

He said the accident site may have been confused with another nearby crossing, where lights were malfunctioning after a storm.

"It seems to me there is a far amount of confusion as there was another crossing only about 8km from this one yesterday, which failed safe as we call it, in other words there was a storm we believe caused the warning lights on the crossing to stay on continuously."

Two train drivers - named today as 54-year-old Richard Weathrell and Michael Smithers - were killed and a number of passengers were injured in the collision, which snapped the truck from its trailer ...

[ozbob]

It is possible that there is indeed confusion between different crossings with respect to the lights.  The sad fact is that if one has failed (to safe, continuous flashing) it is theoretically possible for others, although Control would have been immediately aware if there was an issue I would expect.

The trees near the crossing make it difficult for road vehicles to see approaching trains, time for a mandatory stop sign.  Callers to talk back radio last night who drive trucks through this crossing made this point about lack of vision, and the difficulty they have in seeing the flashing lights and stopping, and the stupid motorists that pass them should they slow down for the crossing.  It is just crazy ...

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Faulty lights to blame for fatal smash: motorist

Faulty lights to blame for fatal smash: motorist
Tony Moore | November 26, 2008

An independent expert is to investigate whether a faulty signal contributed to a Tilt Train crash that killed two people in north Queensland.

The Brisbane-to-Cairns train ploughed into a semi-trailer at a Bruce Highway level crossing at Rungoo, about two kilometres north of Hinchinbrook, at 2.55pm on Thursday.

Both of the train's drivers were killed and the 63-year-old male driver of the semi-trailer is in Cairns Base Hospital with serious chest injuries.
Nine passengers were taken to Ingham Hospital with minor injuries.

Several people last night reported that the lights at the Cardwell level crossing site may have been faulty.

Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel, who toured the crash scene this morning, said it was too early to establish what caused the accident.

"There had been a flashing light in the afternoon at another crossing but I won't and cannot speculate as to what went on at this crossing because that would be pre-empting the investigation,'' Mr Mickel told ABC Radio.

A separate source told brisbanetimes.com.au last night that the Tilt Train was late leaving Townsville on the way to Cairns yesterday because of signal delays due to storms.

The person said they had been told the lights at the Cardwell crossing were continuously flashing as though a train was approaching even though none was due.

A truck driver speaking to ABC Radio last night described the same situation.

"I got there at around 1.40pm and they were still flashing, stuck on their flashing mode, to say a train was coming, but there was no train coming," the caller said.

"The people were going through because what are you going to do, sit there until someone comes and kicks you?"

The caller said he had lodged a complaint with local police.

Mr Mickel said the investigation would be chaired by a representative from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), he said.

"I can reassure you that there's an independent signals expert from South Australia to assist the investigation,'' he said.

Meanwhile, a second train has derailed in north Queensland this morning, police say.

A police spokeswoman said the freight train came off the tracks and the engine carriage rolled over at Homestead, between Mt Isa and Townsville, around 6.10am.

She said it was thought water or flooding had caused the accident.
It was not immediately known how many people were on board or whether anyone had been injured, she said.

with AAP

[ozbob]

And you know what is the very sad thing about this latest crash aside from the tragic loss of lives? 

In a weeks time it will be back to the same routine prior to the crash, and the countdown will be on till the next time.  Why can't the authorities actually do something pro-active?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Train drivers shattered at mates' deaths

Train drivers shattered at mates' deaths
Tony Moore | November 28, 2008 - 12:20PM

The two unions representing Australia's train drivers paid their respects to the two Townsville train drivers killed in yesterday's fatal Tilt Train crash south of Cardwell in North Queensland.

Richard "Rick" Wetherell and Michael "Mick" Smithers were killed in yesterday's crash when the Tilt Train, The Spirit of Townsville, collided with a semi-trailer about 2.55pm.

Greg Smith, state secretary of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees Union, (AFULE) paid tribute to the two train drivers, whom he said he knew personally.

"They were both from Townsville," Mr Smith said.

"I knew both of them.

"They were very professional in their jobs.

"Richard was known as Rick - he wasn't known as Richard, he was known as Rick and he was our member," Mr Smith said.

"And Mick Smithers was a member of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

"But I did know them both, and they were both very good people," Mr Smith said.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union northern district organiser Les Moffitt said Mick Smithers was a "tutor driver" who taught younger drivers and would be sorely missed by his work colleagues.

"He was a quiet-natured sort of guy, mate," Mr Moffitt said.

"He was one of those guys who always had a smile on his face and never said a lot, but was one of those guys who was well liked in the depot," he said.

He said he was an experienced train driver and said his death was a sad loss.

"I have known him for about 15 years and he has been a driver for all that time, so I would say he had been a driver for most of his career.

"He was one of those guys who just come to work, gone about his business, got on well with everyone and he will be sadly missed by all his workmates, that's for sure."

Queensland Rail also paid tribute to the drivers this morning.

Queensland Rail CEO Lance Hockbridge paid his respect to the families of the two drivers.

"We again extend to the families our deepest sympathies and sorrow at the loss of our two colleagues, Richard Wetherell and Michael Smithers," Mr Hockbridge said.

"QR personnel have been in contact with their families and we will continue to provide them with all possible support.

"The safety and welfare of our passengers and employees is our highest priority and we will do everything in our power to assist them."

Meanwhile, North Queensland Tilt Train drivers have also expressed anger that two of their mates had to die on a level crossing that they say was a known blackspot.

Tilt Train driver Greg Hooper said the death of two "good blokes" had rocked the tight-knit group of drivers.

"We have what we call near-misses on at least a monthly basis (at the Rungoo crossing)," Mr Hooper told AAP.

"All the Tilt Train drivers talk amongst each other and we say things like: 'Wow, we had a truck lock it up or a car lock it up on the range of that crossing or the next one up'.

"None of us want to work the Tilt again (following the men's deaths).

"We are very upset ... Queensland Rail (QR) have been aware of problems at these crossings for countless years.

"We have asked for warnings, flashing lights and that to be put out further to warn trucks and cars but all they did is put a 50km speed restriction on it.

"The lack of concern for the safety of drivers is very upsetting."

Mr Hooper said he had worked with both men.

with AAP

[ozbob]

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
28/11/2008

Cardwell Range upgrade to include rail overpass

A road overpass of the rail line at the site of yesterday's tragic incident near Cardwell is included in a broader upgrade of a section of the Bruce Highway that is currently being designed.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the incident was a tragic loss of life.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased rail employees and all of those affected by yesterday's incident," Mr Pitt said.

"A full investigation is underway to identify what happened - not only how it happened, but why it happened."

Mr Pitt said Main Roads had been working on the Cardwell Range Upgrade Project, which will include a traffic bridge over the North Coast rail line, on behalf of the Federal Government.

"The upgrade project, which involves upgrading 4.5km of the Bruce Highway on the northern side of the Cardwell Range, will greatly improve traffic flow and safety in the area," he said.

"While the project is designed mainly to fix ste ep and narrow sections of the Cardwell Range road, it will also include a bridge over the North Coast rail line.

"Planning is now complete and design is well advanced to upgrade this section of the highway, including the provision of a road overpass of the rail line to replace the existing crossing."

Mr Pitt said the Bruce Highway was part of the national AusLink network, for which the Federal Government had overall funding responsibility.

"The Rudd Government has joined us in recognising the Cardwell Range upgrade as a priority, committing $90 million to the project at the 2007 Federal Election, as part of the Auslink 2 program.

"This is in addition to $6.9 million previously allocated to planning work on the range," he said.

Auslink 2 is the next five-year federal roads program, and is due to start in July 2009.

Mr Pitt said the timing of construction would depend on the release of funding by the Federal Government, which was currently under negotiation with Main Roads.

"Main Roads is ready to start construction in 2009 if the funding is made available early in the Auslink 2 program," he said.

"I'll be talking to my federal counterpart, Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, to ensure the funding comes on line as soon as possible."

==============================================================

[O_128]

Dean Quick I agree .Lind um is the absolute worst crossing and someday there will a major accident. the government acknowledges the problem though they refuse to fix it and the only option to fix this area is a road underpass.-

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Many near misses at death crossing: train drivers

Many near misses at death crossing: train drivers
November 28, 2008 - 3:37PM

Train drivers say there are at least a dozen near-misses a year at the north Queensland crossing where two of their colleagues died in a crash.

Three separate investigations are underway into Thursday's collision between a Tilt Train travelling from Brisbane to Cairns and a semi-trailer.

The train ploughed into the truck at a Bruce Highway level crossing at Rungoo, just north of Hinchinbrook, on Thursday afternoon.

Townsville-based train drivers Richard Wetherell and Michael Smithers were killed and the 63-year-old truck driver was taken to hospital with chest injuries.

Nine of the 81 train passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Tilt Train driver Greg Hooper said the deaths of two "good blokes" had rocked the tight-knit group.

"We have what we call near misses on at least a monthly basis (at the Rungoo crossing)," Mr Hooper said.

"All the Tilt Train drivers talk amongst each other and we say things like 'wow, we had a truck lock it up, or a car lock it up on the range of that crossing or the next one up'."

He said Queensland Rail (QR) had been aware of problems at the crossing for many years.

"The lack of concern for the safety of drivers is very upsetting," Mr Hooper said.

Local truck drivers claimed on talkback radio that the lights at the crossing had not been working for up to two weeks.

But QR chief Lance Hockridge said the lights had been tested on Thursday morning and found to be working, and remote monitoring of the lights did not indicate any problems in the lead-up to the crash.

Mr Hockridge said lights at another level crossing 8km from the accident site had been in "safe mode" and flashing continuously.

"Speculation about the cause of the accident is unhelpful while the investigation is under way and QR is fully cooperating with the investigators," he said.

He said the safety and welfare of passengers and employees was QR's highest priority.

Mr Smithers had been with QR for more than 30 years and Mr Wetherell joined QR 11 years ago after serving in the RAAF.

Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees representative Greg Smith said there had been near misses and another fatality some years ago on the same crossing.

He said drivers called it a "mongrel crossing" because vegetation on either side restricted motorists' vision and there was not enough warning that a train was coming.

An independent signals expert from South Australia will be brought in to investigate the crash, which is also the subject of probes by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Queensland coroner and QR.

Meanwhile, law firm Shine Lawyers said QR would face multiple lawsuits over the crash.

Shine Lawyers senior partner Roger Singh said the accident was "yet another sad example of devastation involving QR's Tilt Train".

Mr Singh and Shine Lawyers represented many of the 120 passengers injured in a Tilt Train crash north of Bundaberg four years ago.

AAP

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Police interview truck driver from tilt train tragedy

Police interview truck driver from tilt train tragedy
Tony Moore | November 28, 2008 - 4:09PM

Police have taken a preliminary statement from the 63-year-old truck driver injured in yesterday's horrific Tilt Train crash in North Queensland, but will need further information, they said this afternoon.

"Police did take a preliminary statement from him at the scene," a police spokeswoman said today.

"But they will need to follow up with a more detailed statement later," she said.

The truck driver was taken to the Cairns Base Hospital after the crash.

The two drivers of the Tilt Train - the City of Townsville - died in the crash with the semi trailer yesterday afternoon, at Rungoo about two kilometres north of Hinchinbrook.

Tributes have begun for the two drivers, Richard "Rick" Wetherell and Michael "Mick" Smithers who were killed in the accident about 2.55pm.

The truck driver, 63, from Clarendon near Coominya - west of Ipswich - has today been released from Townsville Base Hospital.

Meanwhile Queensland's bus and rail unions both called for boom gates at rail level crossings on Queensland's highway network after reports that three people died at the same level crossing 20 years ago.

Transport Workers Union branch secretary Hughie Williams said the TWU had yet to talk to the truck driver and was wary of speaking about the exact incident.

Earlier this morning, Queensland Rail CEO Lance Hockbridge said lights at the crossing were working at 8.30am, despite reports they were "flashing" continuously indicating a train was approaching.

Mr Williams said it was clear that boom gates should be installed at rail crossings.

"We are saying clearly that there should be high quality boom gates put on every level crossing," Mr Williams said.

"It doesn't matter if there is only a few trucks because that is where it is more dangerous," he said.

"Because that is where the train driver he is not alerted, he is not worried about it. There might only be a few trains and the truck driver is not worried about it."

Mr Williams said it was time governments took quick action.

"The government has got to move and move very quickly and put boom gates in all these places."

Meanwhile, the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees Union, (AFULE), has been successful in having the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) involved in the Tilt Train investigation.

State secretary Greg Smith said the union wanted the ATSB involved because of their role in the 2004 Tilt Train crash near Bundaberg.

"We want the Australian Transport Safety Bureau involved," Mr Smith said.

"We really believe the Queensland Transport and Queensland Rail - left to their own devices - will come up with much the same and nothing much will occur," he said.

"We want an independent body in there to investigate and come up with appropriate recommendations."

He said a train driver told him this morning about a previous level crossing crash at Rungoo about 20 years ago.

"In that case a truck collided with a freight train and the truck burst into flames killing the truck driver, his wife and child," he said.

Mr Smith said the rail crossing had not changed substantially in 20 years, though the Department of Main Roads has plans to upgrade it.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
28/11/2008

Minister for Transport Visits Rail Accident Site

Transport Minister, John Mickel says people can be assured that proper arrangements are in place for a detailed investigation of yesterdays Tilt Train accident South of Cardwell.

Mr Mickel, who travelled to the scene of the accident overnight said one of his priorities had been to ensure the accident was fully investigated.

"I have had extensive discussions with senior Queensland Transport and QR officials to make sure this happens and I am satisfied it will," Mr Mickel said.

"It is important that people can have confidence in the integrity and calibre of the investigation that will occur.

"No effort will be spared in making sure this accident is investigated - fully, expertly and independently."

Mr Mickel flew from Brisbane to Townsville late last night and travelled to the accident scene, 12km North of Ingham.

Together with QR CEO Lance Hockridge and Head of Passenger Services, Paul Scurrah, he arrived at 1:30am today and spent an hour being briefed on the situation.

He was also accompanied by local state MP, Mr Andrew Cripps, the Member for Hinchinbrook.

Mr Mickel, senior rail and transport officials returned to the scene at 7:30am today for further briefings and discussions on the accident and the investigation.

Mr Mickel said a major focus of the inquiries would be the operation of the warning lights at the level crossing.

"There has been some speculation that the warning lights were not flashing at the time of the accident," Mr Mickel said.

"At the same time it is clear that there is some confusion between these warning lights and those at another level crossing about 8km north at Conn Creek, which had been reportedly malfunctioned and had defaulted to constantly flashing.

"I have been informed by QR that the lights at the level crossing where the accident occurred were tested yesterday morning and were found to be in normal working order."

Mr Mickel said the investigation would be independently chaired by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The investigation would be joined by a technical expert from South Australia focusing signals and the warning lights.

Investigators would also have access to other data captured by QR monitoring systems associated with the warning lights and signals, along with data from the trains data recording systems.

-ENDS-

28 November 2008

==============================================================

[ozbob]

Railway Level Crossing Safety Bulletin
http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2008/rail_bulletin.aspx
   
Summary

Since 1970 fatalities resulting from accidents between road vehicles and trains at level crossings have reduced by about 70 per cent. However, recently there has been an increasing number of accidents involving heavy road vehicles.

Between April 2006 and December 2007 the ATSB investigated 12 level crossing accidents. Of these 12 accidents, nine have involved heavy road vehicles, four of which have been collisions with long distance passenger trains. In addition, during the same period State authorities have investigated a further three significant accidents between heavy vehicles and passenger trains.

These accidents have cost the lives of 19 people, 13 on board the trains and six occupants of the road vehicles. In addition, over 60 people have been injured and the damage bill is estimated at well over $100 million.

Although fatalities and injuries resulting from accidents at railway level crossings are only a small proportion of the total fatalities and injuries that occur on Australian roads each year, railway level crossing accidents, particularly when they involve heavy road vehicles, have the potential to be catastrophic.

Heavy road vehicles such as road-trains and larger freight trains have become the norm in Australia for the good reason that they are an efficient way to transport goods over long distances between our metropolitan and regional centres. However, with the increased size comes an increased consequence in the event of a level crossing collision. It used to be somewhat rare to hear of a train derailing or of significant casualties on board the train as a result of a collision with a road vehicle. This is not the case today.

Some recent accidents have involved significant loss of life, the worst case being the tragic accident at Kerang when a semi-trailer collided with a Melbourne-bound passenger train on 5 June 2007. Eleven people were killed and 20 injured in this accident.

Another major collision between a B double truck and a freight train occurred at Lismore, Victoria on 25 May 2006. This accident resulted in the death of the truck driver and an estimated damage bill in excess of $30 million.

Download Complete Document: rail_bulletin External Link[PDF: 235Kb]

[ozbob]

Media Release 28 November 2008

Queensland:  Action needed today to protect trains and road vehicles at level crossings

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for the implementation of an immediate requirement for buses and trucks to stop at level crossings; drivers to look, listen and then proceed only if safe to do so.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Promises of road overpasses and boom gates are not going to make safe the dangerous level crossings on our railway network now, today.  As an emergency interim measure we call on the Queensland Government to require all heavy vehicles; buses and trucks, to stop at railway level crossings, and then look and listen for trains approaching from either direction and to cross only when it is clearly safe to do so."

"Other jurisdictions implement these safety procedures as routine (1).  Is it not time that rail crew, passengers and road users are afforded some common sense protection?"

Reference:

1.  http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/rules.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Union warnings over fatal Tilt Train level crossing 'ignored'

Union warnings over fatal Tilt Train level crossing 'ignored'
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Michael Wray, Tanya Chilcott and Peter Michael

November 28, 2008 11:00pm

QUEENSLAND Rail was told to put in boom gates and a warning signal at the site of Thursday's fatal Tilt Train crash after lights failed there two years ago.

Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees representative Greg Smith said two "very experienced" Townsville train drivers might be alive if Queensland Rail had listened to the union's pleas.

Union leaders have called for an urgent safety upgrade of busy level crossings, including boom gates, extra warning lights and fly-overs.

Another union also has revealed that a severe shortage of signal electricians working at QR over the past four years has compromised safety.

Crash experts will investigate eyewitness claims the south-bound truck driver tried to outrun the passenger train, travelling north over the crossing at about 60km/h.

Train drivers Richard Wetherell, 54, and Michael Smithers, 53, were killed and the 63-year-old driver of the semi-trailer suffered chest injuries. The truck driver has been discharged from Cairns Base Hospital.

Four passengers were still being treated in Ingham Hospital yesterday.

A father and son, travelling immediately behind the truck, watched in horror as the train "exploded" into the middle of the truck.

They have told police it appeared the B-double driver tried to beat the train to the road crossing.

The pair said faulty traffic lights were not to blame.

QR refused to say if an alleged shortage of signal electricians was compromising safety or outline why they failed to install boom gates or a distant warning signal after the union pleas.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said yesterday that construction of a $90 million road bridge across the fatal crossing was scheduled to begin next year.

Families of both drivers, supported by friends at their Townsville homes, yesterday were too distraught to speak.

AFULE spokesman Mr Smith said his union raised concerns two years ago about the site, 30km south of Cardwell, after a rail motor travelling over the crossing failed to activate the warning lights.

Transport Workers Union Queensland branch secretary Hughie Williams said flashing lights at level crossing were often insufficient warning for a truck driver to pull up a fully laden rig.

Mr Williams said drivers often had to make the "bloody horrific" decision to speed over the crossing because they were unable to pull up before the crossing.

"There are only two things that are going to fix it: boom gates or flashing lights," he said.

"That would eliminate all those accidents."

It took the train ? still dragging the derailed driver's cabin ? nearly 100m before it came to a stop.

My blog comment at CM

Promises of road overpasses and boom gates are not going to make safe the dangerous level crossings on our railway network now, today.  As an emergency interim measure the Queensland Government MUST require all heavy vehicles; buses and trucks, to stop at railway level crossings, and then look and listen for trains approaching from either direction and to cross only when it is clearly safe to do so.

Other jurisdictions implement these safety procedures as routine. 

Is it not time that rail crew, passengers and road users are afforded some common sense protection?

This will allow time for the authorities and the rail unions to identify those crossings where there is active safe protection and visibility is such for road users and train crews that road vehicles can cross when safe without stopping at 50Km/h.

Other crossings an an absolute requirement for heavy vehicles to stop is essential.  Have a look at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and their bulletin on recent level crossing crashes --> http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2008/pdf/rail_bulletin.pdf  You will then understand the urgent basis of this request.

[ozbob]

Media Release 29 November 2008

Queensland:  Identify 'mongrel' level crossings and act today

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for the authorities to work urgently with Rail unions and identify all railway level crossings in Queensland that are of concern, and immediately impose an absolute requirement for all vehicles to stop before proceeding across the railway until remedial work is undertaken.  Until this is done an emergency interim measure requiring all heavy vehicles to stop at all railway level crossings MUST be put in place today.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Vague promises of road overpasses and boom gates are not going to make safe the dangerous level crossings on our railway network now, today.  As an emergency interim measure we call on the Queensland Government to require all heavy vehicles; buses and trucks, to stop at all railway level crossings and then for drivers to look and listen for trains approaching from either direction and to cross only when it is clearly safe to do so."

"Other jurisdictions implement these safety procedures as routine (1).  Is it not time that rail crew, passengers and road users are afforded some common sense protection?  There is a duty of care issue here!"

"These actions will allow time for the authorities and the Rail unions to identify those crossings where there is active safe protection, including warning lights prior to the crossing and fail safe railway signalling, and visibility is such for road users and train crews that road vehicles can cross when safe without stopping at 50Km/h."

"For other crossings an absolute requirement for heavy vehicles to stop is essential.  Have a look at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and their bulletin on recent level crossing crashes (2). You will then understand the urgent basis of this request."

Reference:

1.  http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/railcrossings/rules.htm

2.  http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2008/pdf/rail_bulletin.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Governments blamed for tilt train drivers' deaths

Governments blamed for tilt train drivers' deaths
Tony Moore | November 29, 2008 - 5:30AM

The death of two tilt train drivers has been directly blamed on the State and Federal Governments 'dropping the ball' on urgent upgrades level crossings in Queensland.

Shadow Transport Minister Fiona Simpson last night accused two levels of governments of taking their eye off funding rail crossings in Queensland.

"These tragic incidents highlight that the fixing of these intersections should be a priority - not something that gets buried by governments," Ms Simpson said.

"To date we know that there hasn't been the focus that should have been on fixing these intersections.

"And that is, bot,h a State funding issue and with the highway also a federal government issue."

Bruce Highway works are funded by the federal government.

Ms Simpson said it was time for the State Government to answer questions about rail funding.

"I think there is a case here for the government to explain where the funding has gone in regard to the upgrade of these road and rail crossings," she said.

"The crash is a tragedy. But what it does do is highlight that you must move to upgrade and remove level crossing conflict points along the Bruce Highway."

Work to build a bridge over the fatal level crossing in North Queensland where two tilt train drivers were killed on Thursday is set for 2009, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt confirmed yesterday.

Five people have now been killed at the intersection, with QR confirming three people died around 20 years ago when a freight train hit a truck, causing the truck to go up in flames killing the driver, his wife and their child.

Two train drivers, Rick Wetherell and Mick Smithers, both from Townsville, died on Thursday afternoon at the same level crossing near Rungoo, about 20 kilometres south of Cardwell.

However, the bridge over the Bruce Highway at Rungoo still depends on money being made available by the Rudd Government, under the five-year road and rail funding package, known as Auslink.

This work is part of a project called the Cardwell Range Upgrade Project.

"Planning is now complete and design is well advanced to upgrade this section of the highway, including the provision of a road overpass of the rail line to replace the existing crossing," Mr Pitt said.

The project includes upgrading 4.5 kilometres of the Bruce Highway on the north of the Cardwell Range.

Mr Pitt said the Federal Government promised $90 million for the project during the 2007 federal election campaign, through the second five-year Auslink program which begins in July 2009.

Mr Pitt said the timing of construction depended on the release of funding by the Federal Government, which was currently under negotiation with Main Roads.

"Main Roads is ready to start construction in 2009 if the funding is made available early in the Auslink 2 program," he said.

Queensland Rail late yesterday rejected claims no improvements had been made at the Rungoo level crossing, reporting new safety signs, road markings and better warning lights had been installed since 2004.

However, Ms Simpson said money had not seriously been allocated to rail crossings in Queensland.

Ms Simpson said LNP had been calling for more funds to be spent on improving safety at level rail crossings throughout the state.

She said the Beattie and Bligh governments had taken the focus off the budget allocated to rail crossing grade separations and level crossing protection.

"The Beattie-Bligh Government has ignored calls from the Opposition and other rail safety experts to address the growing safety concern surrounding level crossings," Ms Simpson said.

"Sadly, it seems it takes the tragic loss of lives to get the government's attention."

Ms Simpson said the Australian Safety Transport Bureau had called for additional warnings for motorists approaching level crossings and the National Road Safety Action Plan in 2003 addressed the issue of level crossing safety.

The Australian Transport Council has previously described railway level crossing crashes as "one of the most serious safety issues faced by the rail system in Australia".

"It's time for Queensland to seriously look at how we can remove level rail crossings from major highways, while improving the safety surrounding all other rail crossings," Ms Simpson said.

[ozbob]

From the Townsville Bulletin click here!

Queensland Rail ignored warnings ? tilt train driver

Queensland Rail ignored warnings ? tilt train driver

LEONIE JOHNSON

November 29th, 2008

A TOWNSVILLE tilt train driver says in one in every three trips to Cairns he has a near miss at what he describes as a `black spot' crossing.

Townsville-based Queensland Rail driver Greg Hooper said the crash that took the lives of two of his mates was an accident waiting to happen.

Train drivers Richard Wetherell, 54, and Michael Smithers, 53, were killed when the tilt train collided with a semi-trailer at a level crossing on the Bruce Highway about 17km north of Ingham on Thursday.

"We've reported near misses to QR for years now," Mr Hooper said.

"Trucks coming at the crossing from both ways can't see the crossing and will suddenly lock up their brakes and come skidding to a halt just in time.

"That's a sort of regular occurrence that happens there once a month.

"I can't think of anywhere else in Queensland where we have a major highway open level crossing without a minimum of boom gates, and in that section there are three within 40km."

Mr Hooper said drivers feared driving the tilt trains.

"It could have been me," he said.

"There are just over 30 tilt train drivers in Townsville.

"A lot of drivers won't want to be on the tilt train any more after this fatality.

"People are questioning the safety of it."

Mr Hooper said he had been pressuring QR to fix the crossing for more than seven years.

"We told them (QR) something like this would happen," he said.

"If we reported on the tilt train every time some car came to a halt close to the tracks we'd be doing nothing but paperwork.

"We've asked them to extend the circuit on the track that automatically starts the flashing lights once you go over it.

"We've asked that they extend the circuit back 100m back towards Ingham so that would give drivers more warning.

"We've been asking continuously if they can put a warning at the bottom of the hill saying `warning: rail crossing ahead' but they haven't done anything."

There was speculation following the crash that the level crossing lights weren't working but Queensland Rail rejected the claims.

QR CEO Lance Hockridge said the warning lights were tested just hours before the accident and were found to be working properly.

"We don't want to pre-empt the findings of independent investigations into the accident that claimed the lives of two QR train drivers, but I am concerned by speculation that the lights were malfunctioning before the collision,"
Mr Hockridge said.

"I can confirm that the lights at another level crossing eight kilometres away from the accident site were in `safe mode' and flashing continuously.

"I can also confirm that QR staff tested the lights at the accident site crossing yesterday morning as part of a monitoring program and they were working properly.

"This crossing also has a remote communication system through to a control centre and that system did not indicate that anything was out of order with the lights in the time leading up to the accident.

"Speculation about the cause of the accident is unhelpful while the investigation is under way and QR is fully co-operating with the investigators."

Mr Hockridge and Transport Minister John Mickel travelled to the accident scene to gather first-hand information.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said a road overpass of the railway crossing was part of a Bruce Highway upgrade
plan.

"The upgrade project, which involves upgrading 4.5km of the Bruce Highway on the northern side of the Cardwell Range, will greatly improve traffic flow and safety in the area,"
Mr Pitt said.

"Main Roads is ready to start construction in 2009 if the funding is made available early in the Auslink 2 program," he said.

Last night the railway line remained closed and traffic was being detoured around the crash site.

The road is expected to reopen this morning.

TOWNSVILLE families are grieving the loss of two train drivers killed while doing the job they loved.

Aitkenvale man Richard `Rick' Wetherell, 54, and Mount Louisa man Michael `Mick' Smithers, 53, died when the tilt train collided with a semi-trailer at a level crossing about 2km north of the Cardwell Range at 2.55pm on Thursday.

Queensland Rail colleagues were devastated to learn the crash had claimed two experienced drivers' lives.

The men were based at the Stuart train crew depot.

Their families were too distraught to speak to the media yesterday, asking to come to grips with the loss in private.

It's believed Mr Smithers was working on his rostered day off when the crash occurred.

QR regional manager freight train crewing Warren Ackers said he was shocked and saddened by the deaths.

"Rick and Michael were both dedicated drivers, having each served in the district for many years," he said.

"They will be remembered by their colleagues as excellent and professional drivers who were devoted to their roles and the safety of their passengers and the communities through which they travelled.

"Outside work, Michael was a motorbike enthusiast and loved to have a bet at the races in his downtime.

"Rick was a keen gem hunter who also loved the outdoors and camping.

"Everyone in the Stuart depot and indeed train crew from around the state are deeply saddened by their deaths, and our hearts go out to the families of both Rick and Michael."

Townsville Gem and Mineral Club vice-president Jan Toy said the club's president Mick would be sadly missed.

"He certainly enjoyed going on field trips and fossicking to find gems and rocks and stones," she said.

"Whenever he got the opportunity he got out in the field with the rest of the members.

"He was a well-liked, very committed and active member within the club."

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Townsville district organiser Les Moffitt said he had known Mick for a long time.

"He loved his job and he loved driving trains," he said.

"He was a very easygoing guy. It's such a tragedy and he'll be sadly missed."

Mick had worked for QR for almost 30 years.

He started as a cleaner in 1979, before becoming a locomotive driver in 1987.

For the past 10 years he has worked as a tutor driver with regional freight, based at Stuart.

Rick started working with QR as a trainee driver in Townsville in 1997.

Since then he has worked as a locomotive driver, also in Stuart.

QR is providing support to the families of both men and has set up a memorial fund.

The Clarendon truck driver, 63, was released yesterday from Cairns Base Hospital.

Eighty-one people were on board the train which was bound for Cairns.

Ten passengers were treated for minor injuries and taken to Ingham Hospital. Most have been released.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Death crossing lights were working: QR

Death crossing lights were working: QR
November 29, 2008 - 5:13PM

Queensland Rail says that lights at the Rungoo railway crossing were working at the time of a fatal smash between a train and truck.

Train drivers Richard Wetherell, 54, and Michael Smithers, 53, of Townsville were killed when the train they were driving hit a truck at the crossing near Cardwell, north Queensland on Thursday.

Queensland Rail (QR) chief executive Lance Hockridge said technicians found "nothing unusual" when they downloaded data from the level crossing's signal box on Saturday.

"The recording shows that the flashing light control was activated prior to the train reaching the level crossing," he said.

"No lamp failure alarms occurred during the incident."

Information from the train's blackbox showed the train drivers were observing all speed and driving requirements at the time of the incident.

The drivers also applied the emergency brake prior to reaching the level crossing.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will conduct an independent investigation into the accident.

AAP

[ozbob]

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/home/Safety/Rail/

Tilt train collision at Rungoo?terms of reference

The Queensland Rail Safety Regulator has announced an independent 'no blame' investigation to determine the causal factors of the occurrence involving the collision between a diesel tilt train and semi trailer on the Bruce Highway level crossing at Rungoo, approximately 130 kilometres north of Townsville, on 27 November 2008. An experienced independent investigator has been appointed and will work with Queensland Transport Rail Safety Officers to investigate the occurrence. A report will be prepared that will, if necessary, make appropriate recommendations designed to prevent a re-occurrence. The terms of reference can be downloaded below:

Tilt train collision at Rungoo?terms of reference (PDF**, 23KB)

[ozbob]

You don't have to be an ATSB investigator to know what has happened at Rungoo.

Time for action today. 
Another B double has come to grief with a cane train overnight.  Initial reports have the B double failing to stop at a traffic light.

The lack of an immediate appropriate response from the Queensland Government is a time bomb unfortunately. 

They have ignored the recent recommendation for buses to stop at all unprotected crossings (see below). 

The Government and Queensland Transport are failing the people of Queensland IMHO.

From ABC Southern Queensland 16 Oct 2008 click here!

Boy killed in crossing crash 'not properly restrained'

A six-year-old boy who died after a school bus in which he was travelling was involved in a south-west Queensland level crossing smash was not properly restrained despite wearing a seatbelt, an inquiry has found.

The report has also recommended changes to the manner in which school buses drive over level crossings.

On June 5, the school bus, in which the boy was the only passenger, was struck by a coal train in foggy conditions on a rail crossing next to the Warrego Highway, between Dalby and Chinchilla in south-west Queensland.

The child died and the bus driver, 65, was seriously injured.

The bus owners had voluntarily fitted seatbelts, but the child was not correctly restrained according to Queensland Transport guidelines, which recommend a booster seat with child harness or adult lap/sash seatbelt for a child of his size and weight.

"The student was ejected from his seat," the independent report into the crash states.

"Had he been restrained in accordance with the Queensland Transport guidelines it is possible his injuries might have been lessened."

The report states that "the bus driver did not take appropriate measures to ensure it was safe to enter the crossing".

The report recommends that, as in Victoria, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, school buses be required to come to a stop at level crossings where there are no warning lights or boom gates.

Queensland Transport should also advise school bus operators on the recommended method of securing students in buses which have seatbelts.

Queensland Rail should consider instructions for train drivers when approaching level crossings in reduced visibility, the report said.

The report also recommended that Dalby Shire Council review its maintenance program on level crossing signage and road markings, and that the Local Government Association of Queensland remind its member councils to maintain crossing signage and road markings.

Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel said QR and Queensland Transport would consider the report.

"My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of this young boy and all those touched by the events of that day," Mr Mickel said.

-AAP

It is time for action from the Minister and Queensland Transport.

[ozbob]

From ABC News click here!

Fatal rail smash crossing needed boom gates: union

Fatal rail smash crossing needed boom gates: union

The electronic data from a signal box at the crossing was examined and QR found no problems.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says a level crossing in north Queensland where two train drivers were killed should have had boom gates.

The men died when the high-speed tilt train they were driving hit a semi-trailer at a crossing near Cardwell on Thursday.

The union's Owen Doogan says it has long been campaigning for boom gates at busy crossings across Queensland.

"We're very disappointed that Queensland Rail (QR) hasn't done something about that in the past," he said.

"And we'll certainly be increasing our campaign to try and get as many boom gates as possible at crossings.

"Quite frankly we're not overly impressed with Queensland Rail's attitude towards this sort of issue and attitude towards safety generally."

QR confirmed yesterday the warning lights at the level crossing were working properly when the accident happened.

The electronic data from a signal box at the crossing was examined and QR found no problems.

The union has welcomed confirmation that the lights were working.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

No one hurt in second NQ derailment

No one hurt in second NQ derailment
November 30, 2008 - 8:13AM

A sugar cane locomotive has derailed in north Queensland, two days after another rail crossing accident killed two men.

The locomotive collided with a B-double truck at a crossing at Herbert Street, Ingham, about 11.15pm (AEST) on Saturday, police say.

The impact derailed the locomotive, which then ran into the front awning of a shop.

No one was injured, and investigations into the crash are continuing.

Train drivers Richard Wetherell, 54, and Michael Smithers, 53, of Townville, were killed on Thursday when the tilt train they were driving hit a truck at a crossing at Cardwell, about 50km from Ingham.

Investigations into that smash have so far revealed lights were working at the level crossing prior to the collision.
Source: The Sun-Herald

[mufreight]

As it has now been established that the crossing warning lights were functioning and that the train was not exceeding the track speed for that section of line then one must assume that the truckdriver in this case was at fault,
The question now arises will the truck driver now be charged with manslaughter/dangerous driving causing death/grevious boddily harm to the injured passangers and unlawful entry upon a railway right of way with a civil suit by QR against his insurer for the compensation to the family of the deceased train crew and the injured passengers and the damages to the train and track and compensation for the loss of earnings while the train is out of service.
A jail sentence for the truck driver and a massive hit in the pocket of his insurer would be a wake up for the road transport industry as a whole that would make most in that industry aware of their responsibilities to the community under law.
A hard lesson but then why should the taxpayers ofthis state have to meet the bill for the irresponsible or possibly negligent actions of an individual inflicting damage on others in the community