UPDATE: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says it will be several weeks before an interim report is presented over what caused the Lydiard Street rail crash on May 30.
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The report is being completed by Victoria's chief investigator on behalf of the ATSB.
THE ATSB has confirmed this afternoon the preliminary report will table the information recovered from the scene of the crash, while the final report will detail any safety changes that may be needed at the site.
"The transport safety investigation into the Ballarat level crossing accident on May 30 is ongoing," an ATSB spokesperson said.
"The investigation is being led by Victoria's Chief Investigator, Transport Safety, who conducts rail investigations in Victoria on behalf of the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
"The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, which will outline basic factual information established in the investigation's early evidence collection phase, in several weeks.
"A final report, which will detail findings and outline any safety issues and actions, will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
"However, should any safety critical information be discovered at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify operators and regulators so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken."
EARLIER: A V/Line train is believed to have been travelling at just under 100km/h when it smashed into a rail gate in Lydiard Street last month, a leaked report claims.
A report in The Age says a leaked V/Line incident report alleges a Wendouree-bound train was travelling at 97km/h through a 40km/h zone when it failed to stop at Ballarat station about 11.30pm on Saturday, May 30.
Four people were travelling on what would have normally been packed carriages of football goers had it not been for the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The incident, which is being investigated by three separate agencies, saw a man in his 40s, being taken to Ballarat Base Hospital with a head injury, neck and back soreness and cuts and abrasions.
It has been reported that suspected causes are a transmission failure that would have impeded the train's braking system, coupled with oil on the tracks believed to have leaked out of the faulty transmission as the train travelled down a steep slope.
The driver had lacerations to the face and the conductor had minor injuries to the leg, back and shoulder. It is understood the drivers' extensive experience averted what could have been a major tragedy.
The National Rail Safety Regulator, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and V/Line are investigating the incident, with the ATSB expected to release its findings soon.
In a statement on Monday given to The Courier V/Line chief executive officer James Pinder said: "Safety is our number one priority and we continue to work through a detailed investigation into this incident, as well as assisting independent agencies with formal investigations and enquiries."
"We thank the community for their patience and understanding while we progress with the investigations and continue our work with key stakeholders during this time."
Both the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been contacted by The Courier for comment.
