CCTC cameras have captured the moment a truck was split in two by a train after it failed to clear a railway crossing in Guildford in Perth’s east on Wednesday.
The incident happened just before 4pm and impacted commuters for hours after a bobcat fell from the truck and landed on the tracks.
Debris was also thrown onto nearby vehicles.
Two toddlers and their mother were given the all-clear by paramedics at the scene, however a woman and two teenagers were taken to hospital.
The 48-year-old train driver and a 30-year-old trainee sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The 33-year-old truck driver was not hurt.
On Thursday WA Police said they were investigating the cause of the crash.
“The train struck the dog trailer, separating it from the truck. A bobcat inside the trailer was ejected and came to rest beside the tracks,” a spokesman said.
“Debris from the crash damaged three stationary vehicles.”
The incident happened at the Meadow Street crossing, causing a large jolt to approximately 100 passengers on board.
People nearby said it sounded like a bomb going off, while those on the train said they were thrown into the air.
On Thursday, the truck company issued a statement saying they were cooperating with the investigation.
“Thankfully, no fatalities occurred and our concern remains with everyone affected,” Bohdan Dowsing from Dowsing Group said.
“As a family-run, Western Australian business, Dowsing takes safety, responsibility and care for people extremely seriously.
“We are committed to transparency and will share updates when and where appropriate.”
The incident threw the evening commute into chaos, forcing the closure of the Midland line from Bassendean onwards.
A Perth Transport Association spokesperson said the truck “failed to clear the level crossing on Meadow Street”, before it was hit by a Transperth train.
The closure also caused delays on the Airport, Ellenbrook and Fremantle Lines.
Passengers were forced to wait for an hour before they could get off the train.
On Thursday, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said crews did “an amazing job” getting the tracks cleared through the night so that services could resume on the Midland line by the morning.
Both boom gates were replaced.
“Thankfully there were no serious injuries as a result of the collision with the driver of the truck uninjured and the PTA is providing support to the train driver and trainee drivers who sustained minor injuries,” she said.
“It’s an important reminder for all drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and take the necessary precautions before using railway crossings.”
