A RAILWAY worker was severely injured at Barnawartha North yesterday when struck by heavy machinery.
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The man, 27, from the Gold Coast, was working on the western track about 10 kilometres south of Wod-onga when he was struck by an excavator.
WorkSafe spokesman Peter Flaherty said a small work crew was replacing ballast — the stones under the tracks — when the man walked behind the machine.
“An employee walked across the track behind the excavator when it reversed and struck him,” Mr Flaherty said.
The man was flown to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne where he was in a serious but stable condition last night.
Mr Flaherty said he had severe injuries to his upper and lower right leg.
Wodonga crime investigation unit detectives were called to the incident first and spoke to six people at the scene.
Acting Inspector Barry McIntosh said criminal negligence had been ruled out and the investigation handed over to WorkSafe.
Mr Flaherty said both lines were shut after the incident but were expected to re-open at 6pm.
The work crew was using a Rail Lines Australia excavator — which can weigh up to 15 tonnes — to compress the ballast.
V/Line replaced yesterday’s train services with bus services.
WorkSafe is continuing to investigate.