Gympie near miss highlights need for rail safety vigilance
Two Aurizon train drivers had a terrifying experience when they almost hit two youths playing on the railway tracks near Gympie.
At around 6.40pm last night an Aurizon freight train travelled around a curve when the drivers saw the youths on the tracks ahead.
The drivers applied the emergency brake and the youths started to run however one tripped and fell on the track.
Aurizon Vice President Safety Health and Environment, Neil Backer said the drivers' quick response applying the emergency brake could have meant the difference between life and death.
"A fully loaded freight train can take up to 2 kilometres to stop once the emergency brakes are applied and thanks to the quick actions of the drivers this freight train came to a stop less than 50 metres from the youths.
"Incidents like these are extremely traumatic and their effect on our train drivers should not be underestimated.
"With holidays approaching more young people will be out and about in our local communities.
"The community need to be aware that the rail corridor is a dangerous place and it is private property.
"It is illegal to enter a rail corridor and we continue to work with the Queensland Police to prosecute trespassers."
Other rail safety tips for the holidays are:
When approaching a level crossing STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK
Always cross railway lines at designated areas such as level crossings and overpasses