V/Line can confirm that at approximately 16:00 today there was a collision between the 15:30 train service from Ararat to Melbourne and a truck. This occurred at a level crossing at Ercildourne Road at Trawalla, between Ballarat and Ararat.

There are two suspected fatalities. The driver of the VLocity train has been airlifted to the Alfred Hospital.

Emergency services are currently in attendance.

Counselling is being provided to both passengers and V/Line staff.

Chief Executive Officer, Rob Barnett, said that this was a tragic incident that would impact staff, the community and customers, and that V/Line was at the scene and Ballarat Hospital to offer support.

V/Line advises customers and concerned people to call the Ballarat Base Hospital on 03 5320 4438 or V/Line on 1800 800 120.