Truck driver faces charges following crash near SA-NSW border that claims the lives of two train drivers.
A 75-year-old man has been charged following a collision between the truck he was driving and a freight train in South Australia's north-east, resulting in the tragic deaths of both train drivers.
A 75-year-old man has been charged following a collision between the truck he was driving and a freight train in South Australia's north-east, resulting in the tragic deaths of both train drivers. The incident occurred yesterday morning on the Barrier Highway, approximately 30 kilometers from the NSW border, near Bindarrah.
The crash, which led to the closure of the Barrier Highway in both directions, involved a freight train with over 20 carriages. The impact caused several carriages to be dislodged from the railway tracks. Emergency services and police responded to the scene at around 10:30 am on Sunday.
The two train drivers, aged 48 and 57, both from Port Augusta, lost their lives in the collision. The truck driver, a resident of Queensland, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Broken Hill Hospital. Later, he was arrested by South Australia Police and charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
Pacific National, the train company involved, released a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of their crew members. The company prioritized providing the highest level of care to the families affected by the tragedy.
An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been initiated, with Adelaide-based investigators specializing in train incidents being deployed to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. Cranes from Port Augusta were en route to assist in the cleanup process.
The truck driver, who did not seek bail, is scheduled to appear in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court in South Australia tomorrow. Authorities have warned that the highway is expected to remain closed for most of the day due to ongoing cleanup efforts and inspections for safety.
