Quick thinking saves unconscious driver from being struck by Sunlander train

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http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/quick-thinking-saves-unconscious-driver-from-being-struck-by-sunlander-train/story-e6freoof-1226544321509

Quick thinking saves unconscious driver from being struck by Sunlander train

A FRANTIC call by a quick-thinking witness averted disaster after a car became stuck on rail tracks minutes before a train was due to pass.

The driver, aged about 30, is believed to have suffered a medical condition before his Ford Falcon utility veered off the Bruce Highway on Cairns' outskirts and on to the tracks about 9.20am.

The vehicle skidded for about 150m before stopping.

The Sunlander departed Cairns station at 9.15am but Queensland Rail was alerted to the stranded motorist by a call from the public and drivers were able to stop the train about 6km north of where the car was trapped.

Queensland Rail acting track maintenance supervisor Mark Farrawell, who inspected the track after the incident, said trains such as the Sunlander had a stopping distance of about 2km.

"If it had come along at that speed and was unaware of it, it would have definitely hit the car," he said.

Weipa pair Alex Davis and Michelle Radlot had been travelling to Mission Beach and were driving beside the man's car when they watched it leave the road and travel down the line over a gully.

They stopped to help the driver.

"He only got faster as he left the road. He was spinning out as he got to the bridge (at the gully)," Mr Davis said.

"As we got there, he had his foot jammed on the pedal (and was having a fit). We were trying to pull the car off the tracks."

Edmonton police Sergeant Stephen Brooks said the situation could have been much worse.

"He was very lucky because, once he got on the railway line, it kept him going straight," he said.

A Queensland Rail spokesperson said a call was received at 9.22am and the driver of the Sunlander rung immediately.

The ute driver was in a stable condition in Cairns Base Hospital last night.