By Candice Boyle
AN accident at a level crossing in Yarraville last week has ignited calls for driver awareness and improved safety at the site.
Two Maribyrnong City Council workers were injured when their garbage truck and a train collided at the Anderson St level crossing on Friday night.
The six-carriage VLocity passenger train was heading to Geelong, carrying more than 400 passengers when the collision happened about 5.45pm.
The passenger in the truck was taken to The Alfred hospital with a suspected broken collarbone and the driver of the sustained minor injuries.
No train passengers were injured.
Road and rail traffic was disrupted in the area for more than three hours as a heavy haulage tow truck removed the truck from the crossing and cleared the road.
Early reports indicate the truck appeared to be caught in traffic when the safety crossing warnings began.
V-Line communications manager Daniel Moloney said the boom, lights and bells were all working correctly at the time of the accident.
Mr Moloney said drivers must heed the safety warnings at level crossings.
“It is disappointing that people don’t keep traffic crossings clear.
“It is no different to any other intersection in Melbourne. You wouldn’t cross into an intersection on a red light and level crossings should not be any different,” he said.
Mr Moloney said after the accident was cleared the two front carriages were removed to allow the four rear carriages to continue to Geelong. Other V-Line trains were diverted through Brooklyn and road coaches were also used to transport passengers to their destinations.
Greens MLC Colleen Hartland said the Yarraville train crossing was an accident waiting to happen.
“In any one day up to 126 people illegally crossed the train line,” she said.
“[It] could have been an absolute disaster in Yarraville, considering this is an inner city railway crossing on a busy line on a congested road. We can’t rely on luck any more. I want a safe crossing at Yarraville to prevent a tragedy,” she said.
Police investigations into the accident are continuing.
Police said anyone who saw the collision or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
