V-line and metro train collision between Altona and Newport stations. Tim @maltim @heraldsunphoto @theheraldsun Altona Train Collision http://ift.tt/1vrdBPq Source: Twitter
SEVERAL people have been injured in a collision between two passenger trains in Melbourne’s west.
The accident happened when a citybound V/Line service hit a Metro train from behind after it had stopped for an unexpected reason near the Maidstone St level crossing in Altona about 7pm.
Four people were taken to hospital, including the driver of the V/Line train.
The conductor of the V/Line service was also injured but there were no passengers on board.
Paramedics also treated seven passengers from the Metro train for minor injuries.
Ambulance Victoria health commander Andrew Watson said the passengers’ injuries included whip lash and back pain.
“There were a number of passengers who were quite concerned by what had happened to them,” he said.
“To be on the train in early evening - most of them heading home, I would suggest - were a bit shocked that their commute terminated in a walk-out along a dirt track.”
Emergency services evacuated about 60 passengers from the Metro train.
Victoria Police Inspector Graham Higginbotham said a thorough investigation would determine what caused the passenger train to stop.
“We are investigating all circumstances,” he said.
Passer-by Tim Maloney said there appeared to be minimal damage to both trains.
A V/Line spokesman said Geelong trains would be replaced with coaches in both directions for the remainder of Friday night.
All Werribee trains will be running via the Altona Loop for the time being, causing minor delays.
The V/Line spokesman said Melbourne-bound passengers could expect a long wait to get home, with difficulty sourcing local buses creating delays of up to an hour.
angus.thompson@news.com.au
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