Lessons Learned: Investigation, Fatal Road/Rail Accident, Victoria
Road users need to maintain vigilance at passively controlled level crossings after an investigation into a fatal accident in Victoria.
Two car occupants were fatally injured on January 20, 2026, after the car entered the Reddies Road level crossing, in Cressy near southwest Victoria, as an SCT Logistics freight train was approaching from the west.
A transport safety investigation was subsequently conducted by the Office of the Chief Investigator, which investigates rail accidents in Victoria under a collaboration agreement with the ATSB (Australian Transport Safety Bureau).
A witness and the train crew, who were not physically injured, told the investigation the car traveled at a typical speed along Reddies Road, before slowing and then pausing a short distance from the track, and then proceeding forward onto the crossing before coming to a halt.
“The pause prior to the crossing suggested the driver was aware of the level crossing, and the possibility of trains,” Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood said.
“Several scenarios were considered for why the vehicle did not clear the track before the collision, but these could not be proven with any level of confidence.”
The investigation found the train was traveling at about 70 km/h, well below the permitted line speed of 115 km/h, and that an emergency brake application was made moments before the collision occurred.
As part of the investigation, OCI also considered sighting at the level crossing, and the passive signage controls in place to prevent collisions.
“It was found a road user’s view of the rail line to the west, where the train was coming from, was unimpeded and consistent with the relevant standard for level crossing protection,” Mr. Smallwood said.
“Although not impacting the view towards the approaching train in this instance, the view to the east was found to be restricted by vegetation. The network manager, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), has taken action to clear this vegetation,” he noted.
“This is a reminder to all rail infrastructure managers to remain vigilant when reviewing risks associated with passive level crossings.”
In response to this accident, the ARTC is also working with Colac Otway Shire Council to change the Reddies Road level crossing from ‘give way’ to ‘stop’ signage.
“Passive level crossing controls rely on road driver vigilance including scanning for, and observation of, approaching trains, and using this information to take appropriate precautionary actions,” Mr. Smallwood concluded.
Content/image source/credit: ATSB, “Collision between a road vehicle and train 6PM9, Reddies Road level crossing, Cressy, Victoria, on 20 January 2026, published June 11, 2026.
