(AUS)Two train workers dead after crash between train and truck at Bindarrah, near NSW and SA border

Two train workers dead after crash between train and truck at Bindarrah, near NSW and SA border

Police say two train workers have died in a crash between a freight train and a truck near South Australia's border with New South Wales.
SA Police said officers responded to reports of a crash about 10.30am on Sunday.

The 75-year-old truck driver from Queensland wasn’t injured.

The Barrier Highway was closed in both directions.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) assistant National Secretary Shayne Kummerfeld said the two men were highly respected members of the rail industry.

"They were active members of the Port Augusta community and local sporting clubs," Mr Kummerfeld said.

"This is an extraordinarily sad way to end 2023."

Mr Kummerfeld said all workers have the right to return from work safely.

"Today’s tragic incident underscores the urgent need to improve Australia’s rail safety regime," he said.

A spokesperson for Pacific National issued a statement about the crash this afternoon.

"It is with great sadness Pacific National confirms the death of two of our Port Augusta Train Crew following a serious incident where our locomotive collided with a truck at a crossing in Bindarrah in South Australia, near the New South Wales border," the spokesperson said.