Report into Goodna train fatality released

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas has tabled a report into a train accident earlier this year that claimed the lives of three young boys.

On March 11 three children aged eight, nine and 10 were hit by a train while playing on the railway tracks at Goodna, west of Brisbane.

“This was a particularly tragic incident and I ordered an investigation to establish the facts and identify the cause of the accident,” Mr Lucas said.

The investigation was undertaken by a team from Queensland Transport's Rail Safety Unit and was headed by an independent chairperson.

“I would like to stress this was not a criminal investigation and is not intended to replace or pre-empt the investigation by the Queensland Police Service or a possible coronial inquiry,” Mr Lucas said.

“These reports are not about apportioning blame but about taking steps to stop tragedies like this happening in the future.

“The sole aim of the investigation was to establish facts that could result in enhancements to rail safety in Queensland.

“It is not the role of the transport safety report to speculate why such young children were unsupervised and far from home, on railway tracks and throwing rocks at trains.”

Mr Lucas said the report found the principal cause of the accident was the presence of the children on the track in a situation where neither they nor the train driver had time to react.

“If there is one crucial message to emerge from this tragedy it is that children should not play around train tracks, just as they shouldn't play around roads.”

The investigation found the train was not speeding and the experienced driver was operating within the prescribed regulations.

“However, this is no consolation to the family and friends of these boys, or to the driver of the train who must carry with him the terrible events of that night.”

“To lose children is devastating for the families involved and I would also like people to spare a thought for train drivers who have to live with the circumstances of such events when they’ve done nothing wrong.

“This was a devastating accident, with long term and far reaching impacts for all involved.

“While we will never be able to completely eliminate the risk of harm to those who use train tracks as playgrounds or a short cut, we can do everything in our power to make the system as safe as it can be.”

The report contains three recommendations for consideration, all relating to procedural aspects of rail operations during extraordinary circumstances such as when people are reported on the rail corridor.

Queensland Rail will consider these recommendations and provide an action plan to Queensland Transport by January next year.

Mr Lucas reminded people that everyone had a part to play with rail safety.

“Queensland Rail has a dedicated team of Community Education Officers who work hard to educate school children about the dangers associated with rail corridors and trespassing on rail property.

“Queensland Rail’s Community Education Officers visit schools located near rail lines to encourage students to behave safely and appropriately around rail lines, on trains and at stations.

“In 2005-06 the Community Education Unit talked to around 160,000 students from 500 schools across Queensland.

“I have copped criticism in recent times for strongly supporting the Queensland Rail blitz on people being on rail tracks without permission

“I make no apology for transit officers booking people who walk around safety barriers and put their lives at risk. I have even witnessed an incident myself where a mother with a stroller pushed around a safety barrier.

“These incidents happen to real people and we all must play a role, whether it be as responsible adults ourselves or educating our children about the right thing to do.”