UPDATE 4.05pm: V/LINE has advised that trains have resumed on the Ballarat line after this afternoon’s incident where a man was killed.
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The rail authority says it does not anticipate any further delays on the line.
The first service to depart from Southern Cross left at 4.01pm, while the first service from Ballarat will leave at 4.49pm.
A V/Line spokesperson said they would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.
The spokesperson said passengers delayed for 60 minutes or more in a single V/Line journey are eligible for compensation through the V/Line website or calling 1800 800 007 while counselling would also be made available for those wishing to speak with someone.
“Staff members involved are offered support and counselling following an incident, through our Employee Assistance program,” the spokesperson said.
“The Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV) is supported by the TAC to offer counselling services to people impacted by transport trauma including public transport.
“Customers can contact the RTSSV on 1300 367 797.”
EARLIER: Passengers who were on a V/Line train which struck a pedestrian this afternoon say they heard a thump before screeching train wheels, before the train came to a sudden stop.
Police have confirmed a man was killed after he was struck by the Wendouree-bound train shortly after 1pm at the pedestrian overpass which separates Stawell Street North and Stawell Street South.
The train was carrying dozens of passengers who were loaded onto buses almost two hours after their ordeal began.
Passengers said investigators took identification and spoke to every passenger on the train to check on their welfare.
No passengers were injured in the incident
One passenger who spoke to The Courier said his heart sank for the train driver.
“It’s not fair, the drivers do such a good job, they shouldn’t have to put up with something like this,” he said.
“We felt a thump and before there was some screeching and then we ended up down the track.
“They gave us some periodic information, all we were told is that the train had hit someone. It’s incredibly sad.”
Another passenger who spoke to The Courier while on the train said the train had stopped for 10 minutes before they were told what happened.
The owner of a nearby house said they heard the train whistle blowing long before the pedestrian overpass and it continued as the train came to a stop.
All trains on the Ballarat line were halted with passengers bused to and from Bacchus Marsh.
BREAKING: A person has been struck and killed by a train in Ballarat East.
The person was struck just before 1pm on Wednesday near the Stawell Street North pedestrian overpass.
The train was travelling towards Ballarat and has stopped hundreds of metres from the scene.
The pedestrian overpass separates Stawell Street North and Stawell Street South.
All trains on the Ballarat line have been halted and there will be delays throughout the day.
A passenger who was on the train told The Courier said the train had stopped for 10 minutes before they were told what happened.
As of 1.15pm, the passengers were still on the train, waiting for authorities to give them direction.
They were waiting to be loaded on to buses.
A neighbour who lives near the scene said the driver was blowing his whistle for an extended period before the incident.
He said it was highly unusual for a train to be blowing its whistle in that area.
If you or somebody you know are suffering mental health problems you can:
- Call Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Call beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
- Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467
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