“Horrifying” close calls at train stations across Logan have sparked a plea from authorities to trespassers.
Loganlea station, in particular, recorded among the highest number of trespassers in all of Queensland with almost 140 incidents.
Queensland Rail released footage of several close calls with trains at Woodridge, Kingston, and other parts of the state, showing people cutting corners over the tracks to make trains, jumping off the platform to retrieve dropped items and collecting bottles.
In some clips, people can be seen chatting on the tracks as a train approaches.
Queensland Rail has slammed the risky, illegal behaviour, with more than 3845 trespassing incidents resulting in 197 close calls across south-east Queensland.
This follows similar figures in 2023 where there were 3780 incidents and 218 close calls.
According to Queensland Rail, trespassing in the rail corridor is incredibly dangerous due to the risk of being struck by a train or electrocuted by the rail infrastructure.
Queensland Rail Senior manager of security and emergency preparedness Drew Brock said tracks were not playgrounds.
“If you’re on them it’s like playing chicken with a train,” he said.
“The consequences of being on the tracks when a train comes can be horrific – there’s no room for error and no excuse for trespassing.”
Near miss incidents can have a lasting, traumatic impact on drivers and staff, who may need immediate relief from duties, extended paid leave and access to trauma counselling.
There are more than 12,000 CCTV cameras monitoring the train network, as well as police, security and emergency teams.
Those caught trespassing can be fined $322 on the spot or face criminal charges.
Queensland Rail says the chances of getting caught are high.
“Some of the common excuses we hear for trespassing include using the tracks as a short cut, retrieving dropped items as well anti-social behaviour such as vandalism,” Mr Brock said.
“Stay off the tracks, allow plenty of time to get to your train, and if you drop an item from the platform speak to station staff who will arrange to have it retrieved safely.
“Trespassing incidents which result in near misses are traumatic for train drivers, station staff and customers but they are entirely preventable.
“We want everyone, including our train drivers and customers, to get home safely.”
