(AUS) Deadly train crash averted thanks to footy shutdown and 'luck factor'

[Pakenhamtrain]

From The Age

A Ballarat train that ploughed through level crossing gates at twice the speed limit during coronavirus lockdown could have caused a fatality if its normal Saturday night football crowd had been on board, rail insiders say.

A leaked V/Line incident report alleges a Wendouree-bound train was travelling at 97km/h through a 40km/h zone when it failed to stop at Ballarat station about 11.30pm on Saturday, May 30.


That service is normally full of people returning from AFL games and experts say that if not for coronavirus restrictions it would probably have derailed with potentially fatal results.
The V/Locity train, which was only carrying two passengers that night, careered into level crossing gates at Lydiard Street, injuring the driver, the conductor and one of the passengers.

Deadly train crash averted thanks to footy shutdown and 'luck factor'

Possibly fatal rail accident avoided last month when out-of control Ballarat train that would have been full of football supporters hit level crossing gates.

www.theage.com.au

The gates it plowed through were the heritage listed swing gates at Lydiard Street. They're an interesting set of gates as they've been converted to motorized operation.