After a man’s near miss in a potentially deadly encounter with a train at Riddells Creek, V/Line is urging pedestrians and motorists to stop taking risks around train lines.
V/Line security footage captured a man unlocking the safety latch at the Riddells Creek pedestrian crossing to illegally cross the tracks moments before a freight train roars past.
V/Line chief executive James Pinder said the “senseless and reckless behaviour” was alarming.
“The man could have been killed,” Mr Pinder said.
“The pedestrian thought it was safe to cross because he had waited for the V/Line passenger train to pass, but had no idea there was a freight train coming in the opposite direction.”
More than 190 Bendigo line incidents involving pedestrians and motorists were reported in the year to June.
V/Line is calling for people to follow safety signals around train tracks.
“We are pleading with people to avoid taking risks,” Mr Pinder said.
“Please obey the signs and be patient because it’s not worth risking your life.”
Mr Pinder said these types of incidents also had significant impacts on the train drivers.
He said anyone who witnesses trespassers on rail lines should contact police.
