Victoria Police confirmed that 11 people were killed and 23 injured in the crash,[1][2] making this to date the deadliest Australian rail disaster since 1977.

[5] The highway is a single-carriageway, two-lane bitumen road, with a gentle curve about 300 m (980 ft) prior to the level crossing when approaching from the south.

[7] One fatal crash had previously occurred at the crossing, in 1995, but a database maintained by Transport Safety Victoria had recorded a number of near misses between rail and road vehicles in the months leading up to the 2007 accident.

[11] The semi-trailer truck involved in the accident consisted of a refrigerated curtain sided trailer hauled by a Kenworth K104B prime mover.

[12] Its driver, Christiaan Scholl, was transporting a load of timber and pipe fittings from Victoria to South Australia on behalf of Canny Carrying Company.

[14] The train involved in the accident was a locomotive-hauled service from Swan Hill that departed for Melbourne at 13:00,[15] operated by an N class locomotive and three car N type carriage set.

"[17] Ursula McGuinnes, general manager of Stakeholder Relations for V/Line, noted that the level crossing was protected with lights and bells, which were still sounding and flashing when emergency services arrived, but did not have boom gates.

"[18] Emergency response was swift, with a number of seriously injured people airlifted to Melbourne, while others were taken by road or air ambulance to nearby Kerang Hospital.

[4][17] Leader of the Opposition Kevin Rudd said that he was "saddened and shocked" by the incident and went on to say that his "thoughts and prayers tonight are with those still fighting for their life in hospitals throughout Victoria.

Chief executive Rob Barnett said the incident would raise questions about the safety of level crossings, but asked everyone to resist jumping to conclusions.

[24] The driver of the semi-trailer, Christiaan Scholl, was charged with one count of culpable driving and on 7 June was bailed to appear before Bendigo Magistrates Court on 19 December.