News

Queensland Truck Driver Granted Bail After Fatal Train Collision Near SA-NSW Border

In a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two train workers near the South Australia-New South Wales border, the Queensland truck driver responsible for the collision has been granted bail. 

Kevin Maxwell Pearson faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on Tuesday, charged over the horrific crash that occurred on New Year’s Eve.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The Queensland Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

The collision, which took place at a level crossing on the Barrier Highway at Bindarrah Station, resulted in the deaths of Port Augusta train drivers Mick Warren, 48, and Kevin Baker, 57. 

The Pacific National locomotive, operated by the victims, was struck by Mr Pearson’s truck at approximately 10:30 am on New Year’s Eve.

The 75-year-old appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link. 

The court heard that he had worked as a truck driver for over 50 years before the tragic incident.

He was granted bail on the condition that he resided at a caravan park in Port Pirie and reported daily to the police. 

The court was informed that Mr Pearson has health issues, is recovering from lung cancer and is battling prostate cancer.

“He has no significant relevant history of offending,” Mr Pearson’s lawyer told the court.

“He’s a 75-year-old man who does have some health issues that he needs to attend to.

The Barrier Highway reopened late on Monday night with a 25kph speed limit in the Bindarrah area, which is expected to remain in place for the next three days.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators are examining the crash site, including the level crossing, the train, and wagons. 

The investigation involves interviews with involved parties and witnesses and may include recovering components for lab examination.

 Mr Pearson is scheduled to appear in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court on April 17.

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on Listnr today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.

Caitlin Duan

Recent Posts

Triple M’s Call Of The Final Few Minutes As Pies Defeat The Crows

The Triple M commentary box descended into chaos as the Magpies held off a fast-finishing…

7 hours ago

“The Damage Is Done With Those Guys” | Michael Chammas On Crichton & Tupouniua

The Roosters may have burnt their bridges with Angus Crichton and Sitili Tupouniua in their…

8 hours ago

Should We Have Two Magic Rounds If One Is In Auckland?

Michael Chammas & Ryan Girdler question whether or not it's worth NRL having two Magic…

9 hours ago

“Shazza!” Woodsy Cops An Earful Live On Caxton Street!

Our very own Aaron Woods hit Caxton Street during NRL's Magic Round in his Triple…

10 hours ago

Brodie Grundy On His ‘Sliding Doors’ Moment & Life As A Swan

Brodie Grundy admits he's thriving as a member of the Sydney Swans unit following a…

10 hours ago

Billie Eilish Recalls The Career ‘First’ That Happened To Her In Australia

The countdown is ON until the one and only Billie Eilish touches down in Australia…

1 day ago