Tasmanian driver narrowly avoids getting hit by train

A Tasmanian driver has narrowly avoided death after jumping out of a Toyota HiLux right before a train collided with it – propelling the car 60m down the track.

According to the Tasmania Police Facebook post – the incident occurred on 15 May 2024 along Stony Rise Road at Devonport – a city approximately 280km north of Hobart – with emergency services called to the scene at approximately 6:00am.

Authorities confirmed no serious injury was reported, and the investigation is ongoing.

TasRail's CEO, Steven Dietrich, told the ABC: “Their vehicle was stranded and unfortunately they were unable to remove their vehicle before a train arrived.”

“The train has come around the corner and directly collided with the vehicle.”

Inspector Shane le Favre from Tasmania Police told the news outlet there have been similar incidents on that road.

“Whilst the driver may have been inattentive and missed the road markings… we have had some incidents here of a similar nature,” Inspector le Favre told the ABC.

“Bottom line is people need to pay attention and obey the road rules.”