Rail Crossing Classes Urged

The Age

Friday December 10, 1993

The coroner yesterday recommended that education about dangers associated with public transport, such as crossing rail lines, should be included in school curriculums.

Mr Iain West was hearing the inquest into the death last May of a boy and a girl at the North Williamstown railway station. He found that Amanda Julie Barrett, 12, and Thomas John Barrett, 10, died after being struck by a train at the level crossing.

The two had been looking in the opposite direction of the train that hit them, towards another train that was pulling out of the station.

The boom gates, lights and bells had been working, and the train driver had sounded the horn and put on the emergency brakes.

Mr West said the two children had contributed to their deaths.

The tragedy highlighted the need for public transport education, he said.