Qld minister vows probe into train crash

Queensland's transport minister has promised a full and independent investigation into a collision between a garbage truck and a passenger train which killed thetruck driver.
The father-of-two died instantly when the truck he was driving collided with a Sunlander train at a level crossing in Innisfail, far north Queensland at 11.20am (AEST)on Thursday.
Six people were taken to Innisfail Hospital and two remain in hospital as a precaution.
A Queensland Rail spokesman said one of the injured was reportedly a pregnant woman but that had not been confirmed.
It is the second fatal accident at a Queensland level-crossing in two months. In November two train drivers died when the train collided with a truck at a level crossing collision near Cardwell.
The incidents have outraged train drivers who say there are frequent near-misses at north Queensland level crossings. Queensland Rail says it is too early to say what caused the latest accident.
Transport Minister John Mickel inspected the crash site on Thursday and announced a full and independent investigation into the crash.
"I will ask the director general to extend the terms of reference of the Cardwell investigation so the same team of experts can do this investigation as well," Mr Mickel told AAP.
He said evidence collected by the police, the coroner and information from a locomotive's equivalent of an aeroplane's black box would be used in the investigation.
Mr Mickel said there was a serious accident at this level crossing in 1999 but it was not one deemed unsafe by train drivers.
"This crossing I am advised by Queensland Rail is not one of the crossings that the union deemed should be examined," he said.
"The latest accident shows that when it comes to level crossings anywhere in the state they should be treated with absolute caution.
He said 80 per cent of level crossings accidents across Australia occur in broad daylight and were the fault of the person or vehicle that has entered the rail track.
"What that says to me is that level crossings should be treated with the utmost precaution and should be part of the road safety education program," Mr Mickel said.
"Just as we talk about speed, alcohol and fatigue, we should also talk about level crossings."
The Sunlander was carrying 127 people from Cairns to Brisbane and had left Innisfail, about 5km north, minutes before the accident.
QR acting CEO Deborah O'Toole said the company was distressed that another fatal level-crossing accident had occurred in north Queensland.
"This is a tragic accident and our condolences go out to family of the truck driver," she said.
"QR has issued numerous appeals to motorists to be vigilant around level crossings."
Passenger Grant Chandler told cairns.com.au the crash site was a "bloody mess".
"It's a bloody mess. There are about six carriages over. The truck's upside down.
The engine's over," Mr Chandler, who was not injured, said.
"I was just going to sleep. I heard an almighty thud and, all of a sudden, there was a truck outside our window.
"There are people walking around dazed, on the phone to loved ones. It's just surreal."
Innisfail resident Esmarelda Stevens heard the crash.
"All of a sudden we heard this terrific bang, the sound of metal crashes and we thought `what was that'," she told the ABC.
Another local, Jim Browning, said passengers were stunned when he arrived.
"Not a sound, everyone was calm, in shock I suppose, still on the train," he told the ABC.
Queensland Rail has 1600 level crossings.
There are also thousands of sugar cane train crossings across north Queensland.