On Friday 2 September 2005 at about 1600, the locomotive engineer of express freight Train 354 reported to train control that a school bus had passed over Caverhill Road level crossing, Awakaponga, immediately in front of his train. The level crossing had passive protection that included limit line road markings and compulsory stop signs on both sides of the crossing.
The incident was caused by the bus driver not stopping at the level crossing.
No safety deficiencies were identified in the level crossing layout or in the rail system.
One safety recommendation was made to the Chief Executive of ONTRACK regarding the storing of rail vehicles on the north end backshunt at Awakaponga.
