A truck driver has died after his rig collided with a freight train in Cardup on Monday.
Emergency services were called to Bishop Road near Hopkinson Road in Cardup around 12:40pm, following reports of the collision.
The 41-year-old truck driver was taken to Armadale Hospital, but police have confirmed that he later died from his injuries.
Rail freight operator Aurizon said its crew were not hurt but have been left shaken.
“We extend our deepest condolences to [the truck driver’s] family, friends, and colleagues during this heartbreaking time,” the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said.
“Our thoughts are also with the locomotive driver involved, who faced an unimaginable ordeal, and with all rail workers who continue to confront these dangers every day.
“We would also like to acknowledge and commend one of our own RTBU Transit Officer members, who was off duty at the time but was first on scene and courageously provided CPR in an effort to save the driver’s life. Their actions reflect the very best of our union’s values — courage, compassion, and solidarity.”
It is the second serious crash at this junction this year.
In January, a man was lucky to walk away unscathed after driving into the side of a moving freight train carrying chemicals at the same location.
The man’s friend criticised the lack of boom gates at the intersection, but locals lambasted both the driver for his actions and his friend for her remarks.
“You should not be on the road if you did not see the flashing lights or 1000 tons worth of train going down a rail line. You are dangerous, not the crossing,” one person said at the time.
But Monday’s crash has again stirred up debate about whether boom gates, or even more solid barriers are needed at level crossings in growth areas like Cardup, with increasingly frequent crashes.
“This is a sombre reminder of the critical need for stronger level crossing protections to safeguard both the public and rail industry workers,” the RTBU said.
“The RTBU continues to call for stronger investment in level crossing safety, including upgrades, better signalling, public awareness campaigns, and where possible, grade separation. Every one of these incidents is one too many.”
