Far North Queensland drivers are being asked to slow down and obey signals at rail crossings after recent collisions with a historic train in Cairns.
Qld Rail’s reminder follows the recent release of footage of the crashes, nine days apart, involving the Kuranda historic tourism train.
The footage is of crashes at Grove Street on December 30, 2025, and at Upward Street on January 8, 2026; the train was carrying tourists at both times.
Both drivers avoided serious injury, and no rail customers or crew were hurt, Qld Rail says.
They say their investigations confirm flashing lights and signage at both locations were working normally at the time.
QUEENSLAND RAIL’S MESSAGE
Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Regional Assets Wayne Prosser says they just finished a joint operation with police about level crossings in Cairns earlier this week.
“This vision highlights the risks when drivers fail to follow the warnings at level crossings – the lights were flashing, and the warnings were clear and these drivers are fortunate the outcomes were not more serious,” he says.
“Every driver needs to obey the signs and signals at level crossings, look for oncoming trains, and stop when the lights flash.
“Trains can't stop quickly; that's why our operation with Queensland Police focused on drivers who knowingly take risks around the rail line.”
He says they also visited schools to spread the message.
“Our safety message applies to everyone on the road, especially to those choosing to ignore the warnings.”
Queensland Police Service Railway Squad Acting Inspector Simon Arnold says drivers who ignore level crossing protections will be fined.
“That includes on the spot fines of $500, and if infrastructure is damaged, drivers may face an infringement of $1335,” he says.
“We're out here with Qld Rail … to reinforce the importance of taking level crossings seriously. We want everyone to get home safely.”
Qld Rail says regional Queensland recorded 110 close calls at level crossings in 2025 involving vehicles and pedestrians with 34 in Far North Queensland.
MORE QLD RAIL STORIES: Call for drivers to know vehicle heights
