Men killed in train crash at level crossing west of Melbourne identified as locals

Two men killed after their car was struck by a freight train at a level crossing in regional Victoria have been identified as local to the area.

Emergency services were called to Reddies Road in Cressy, about 140 kilometres west of Melbourne, after reports of the incident about 10.15am on Tuesday.

A 35-year-old Beeac man and a 22-year-old Cororooke man died at the scene. The train driver and two other staff onboard the train survived.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be established.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact the police.

Colac Highway Patrol Sergeant Jake Andrew said in the afternoon that there were no signals or boom gates at the crossing.

“Our understanding was the vehicle was travelling south and came to a brief stop before entering the train line, and for an unknown reason at this stage, has failed to exit the train line,” Andrew said.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation – the government-owned company that manages the nation’s interstate rail network – said in a statement it was also investigating what had occurred.

A spokesperson said the train had been travelling from Perth to Melbourne, and belonged to transport logistics service SCT.

“ARTC extends its deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and communities at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

The level crossing reopened just before 7pm on Tuesday evening.

The rail line on which the crash occurred is the main freight line between Melbourne and Adelaide, and also carries the passenger train the Overland twice a week in each direction.

This incident marks the first train-related death in Victoria since April 2023, when a truck driver died after being hit by an empty V-Line passenger train at South Geelong.

There have now been 11 lives lost on Victorian roads this year so far, down from 20 in the first three weeks of 2025.

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