“An absolute tragedy”: Baby dies after being struck by train

A child has died after being struck by a train, said a statement released by NSW Police media.

At about 7.50pm, Friday, November 7, emergency services were called to Baranbah Street, Baan Baa, near Narrabri, following reports a child had been hit by a freight train.

The child – a one-year-old girl – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries before being taken to hospital, where she sadly died.

Officers attached to Oxley Police District were told the child was walking along the road before being clipped by the train.

A crime scene has been established, and investigations have commenced into the circumstances of the crash.

Oxley Police District Superintendent David Cooper said it was “an absolute tragedy” in a press conference held on Saturday, November 8.

“The small community of Baan Baa and the emergency services personnel that attended – we’re going to be wrapping our support around those people, the family and everyone in the town,” he said.

“We can establish at this stage that the child was with a number of other children, but those circumstances are still under investigation.

“The supervision of the child is not in doubt,” he said.

“Our understanding is that the child was just playing. This is a really tragic case of a child that had gone to play in a bad location.”

The train driver – a 22-year-old man – was uninjured and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. There is no suggestion he was at fault.

“And I feel for that young man as well,” said Oxley Police District Superintendent David Cooper.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.