Bindarrah: Two workers killed in freak crash between a truck and a train are identified – as the man behind the wheel of the heavy vehicle is charged
Two men who tragically died in a horrific crash involving a truck and a train have been identified, while the driver of the heavy vehicle faces charges over the incident.
A Pacific National freight train collided with a truck at Bindarrah in South Australia, about 30km west of the NSW border, on Sunday morning.
Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48, both from Port Augusta, were on the train when it struck at a level crossing on the Barrier Highway, killing both men.
The train and truck were traveling in opposite directions on the highway when the crash occurred.
The 75-year-old Queensland truck driver was taken to Broken Hill Hospital with minor injuries and has since been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until he appears in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Mick Warren (pictured), 48, was killed on Sunday when a train he was working on collided with a truck at Bindarrah in South Australia.
Kevin Baker (pictured), 57, who also died in the crash, is survived by his partner, four children and five grandchildren, with a sixth on the way
The train and truck were traveling in opposite directions on the highway when the crash occurred
The two men were experienced train drivers, each having served with the Pacific National company for more than a decade.
Baker's sister, Wendy Barnes, said his death was “devastating” and the community would mourn the loss.
She said he is survived by his partner of 29 years, Petrea Ellis, and children Taryn, Rhys, Tyler, Dylan and Joel, as well as five grandchildren with a sixth on the way.
βWe are devastated by his loss,β she said The advertiser.
Mr Warren's friend Chris Baker said he joined the rail industry as a junior in the late 1990s and was considered easy to work with and had a “no-nonsense” attitude.
Mr Warren was a keen golfer and had won several A-grade championships at Port Augusta Golf Club.
He was also a respected representative of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, which 'didn't go any further'.
βHe wasn't a bullshit rep. He was genuine, down to earth,β Mr Baker said.
Members of the golf club toasted Mr Warren's life at a New Year's Eve gathering.
The 75-year-old truck driver has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the horrific incident
South Australian police and emergency services responded to the incident at around 10.30am on Sunday.
The impact of the crash caused the train to catch fire, derailing and overturning several carriages, blocking the entire highway.
The Barrier Highway remains closed in both directions between Peterborough and the NSW border, and is expected to reopen on Tuesday.
Travelers from NSW cannot enter South Australia via the Barrier Highway.
NSW Police and other emergency services assisted SA Police and Major Crash Investigators at the scene.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the incident and will deploy Adelaide-based transport safety investigators with experience in train and rail operations to the site.
The deaths of the two men mark the 115th and 116th lives lost on South Australia's roads in 2023, compared to 71 in 2022.