• Emergency services rush to the scene 

By PAUL SHAPIRO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 01:33 GMT, 11 February 2025 | Updated: 05:44 GMT, 11 February 2025

Up to 50 passengers have escaped with only minor injuries after a train smashed into a truck trailer at a notorious crossing in Victoria’s south-east.

Police confirmed the V-Line passenger train smashed into a trailer carrying an excavator on the Princes Highway at Kilmany on Tuesday morning.

Investigators attended the level crossing, around 20km west of Sale, after the collision which happened around 10.10am.

‘Both drivers and up to 50 passengers onboard were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries. No one was hospitalised,’ a police spokesperson said.

A CFA spokesperson says crews found fuel leaking upon arrival.

The cause of the collision is yet to be determined and an investigation remains ongoing.

Officials confirmed the Bairnsdale-bound V/Line train collided with a truck while it passed a crossing between two farms but which did not have boom gates.

A V/Line spokesperson said the crossing had a large sign with a picture of a railway crossing and a stop sign which says ‘look for trains’.

Up to 50 passengers have escaped with only minor injuries after a train smashed into a truck trailer at a notorious crossing in Victoria’s south-east

There were no serious injuries to passengers, the train driver or conductor onboard the service as well as the truck driver.

Emergency services crews assisted with helping passengers from the train before they were safely transferred to coaches to continue their journey.

Officials advised coaches are replacing trains between Traralgon and Bairnsdale, with service changes expected for a number of hours so passengers should check the V/Line website, app or Twitter feed for the latest information before they travel.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified.

Crews are on site ready to assess and repair any damage to the train and rail infrastructure once given the all clear by emergency services authorities.

A V/LINE spokesperson said services will resume through the section of track when it is safe to do so.

‘We thank passengers for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly and safely as possible following an incident at a crossing near Kilmany,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Safety is our priority and we will work with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.’

Investigators attended the level crossing, around 20km west of Sale, after the collision which happened around 10.10am

Investigators attended the level crossing, around 20km west of Sale, after the collision which happened around 10.10am

It’s been almost 20 years since a woman was killed at the at nearby crossing also in Kilmany.

The 59-year-old’s car collided with a train on March 21, 2005.

There had been no boom gates, lights or signals at the crossing but they were installed after a safety investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

More to come.

:
Train with 50 passengers on board ploughs into a truck trailer in Kilmany, Victoria

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk