Hines Hill community praised for response to Merredin train smash

15/1/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has praised emergency crews and local residents from the wheatbelt community of Hines Hill who responded to the tragic weekend rail smash.

Mr Charlton, who is also the Member for Agricultural Region, extended his condolences to the immediate families of the two people who died when a Westrail freighter and National Rail Corporation train collided just west of Merredin.

"The appropriate and efficient manner in which the State Emergency Service, volunteer fire brigades, police, St John Ambulance, Westrail personnel and local farmers had co-ordinated their efforts under extremely difficult circumstances was a great credit to them all," the Minister said.

"The quick and professional response of these groups and individuals at the scene of the crash was exemplary and prevented an even worse outcome."

Mr Charlton said Westrail had initiated alternative freight and passenger services to ensure that disruption of east-west traffic was kept at a minimum.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333