A truck driver who was allegedly at the center of a freight train crash that killed two people has appeared in court where it was revealed he has cancer.
The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard Kevin Pearson, 75, is recovering from lung cancer and currently has prostate cancer.
A Pacific National freight train collided with a truck driven by Pearson at Bindarrah in South Australia, about 30km from the NSW border, about 10.30am on Sunday.
The train and truck were traveling in opposite directions along the Barrier Highway when the impact occurred.
Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48, both from Port Augusta, who worked on the train, were killed in the crash, while Pearson suffered minor injuries.
The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard Kevin Maxwell Pearson (pictured), 75, is recovering from lung cancer and currently has prostate cancer
Pearson wore the hi-vis shirt he was arrested in when he appeared via video link from the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.
He was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving
His lawyer Kylie Pligl told magistrate Karim Soetratma that her client had been driving trucks for more than 50 years. Advertiser reported.
Ms Pligl said Pearson normally lives in the small north Queensland town of Tully Heads but planned to remain in Port Pirie if he was granted bail.
The magistrate said he could allow the suspect to return home to Queensland if he “provided a substantial guarantee”.
But the lawyer said her client and his wife were both retired and they didn't have the money to pay a large cash deposit.
She said Pearson only does occasional truck driving work, which is why he was in South Australia on a short assignment.
'He has no relevant criminal history and he has some health problems. He is recovering from lung cancer and currently has prostate cancer,” Ms Pligl said.
“He needs to see a surgeon and communicate with specialists in Townsville.”
Pearson was granted bail to live in a caravan park on condition he report to the nearest police station every day.
A spokesperson for Pacific National said: 'This incident has had a profound impact on the entire organization and our first priority is to ensure the highest level of care is provided to the families of our drivers who have tragically lost their lives.'
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the incident and is deploying Adelaide-based transport safety investigators with experience in train and rail operations to the site.
At around 10.30am on Sunday, a Pacific National freight train collided with a truck driven by Pearson at Bindarrah in South Africa, about 30km from the NSW border. The scene is depicted
Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48, both from Port Augusta, who worked on the train, were killed in the crash (pictured)
The deaths of Mr Baker and Mr Warren were the 115th and 116th lives lost on South Australia's roads in 2023, compared to 71 in 2022 (the crash scene is pictured)
'As part of their evidence collection activities, investigators will examine railway infrastructure and rolling stock, interview involved parties and any witnesses, examine truck and train operational information, recover all relevant components for further investigation in the ATSB laboratories in Canberra and analyze all recorded data. information,” the agency said in a statement.
'If critical safety issues are identified at any time during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will promptly notify relevant parties so that appropriate safety action can be taken.'
The deaths of Mr Baker and Mr Warren were the 115th and 116th lives lost on South Australia's roads in 2023, up from 71 in 2022.