City of Salisbury to commemorate 20th anniversary of Park Terrace Level Train Crossing Tragedy
The City of Salisbury acknowledges the 20-year anniversary of the level train crossing tragedy that occurred on 24 October, 2002 at the Park Terrace, Salisbury intersection.
Four lives were lost as a result of the accident, which saw The Ghan collide with a passenger bus and other passenger vehicles.
The tragic accident shocked residents and left a profound effect on the Salisbury community.
Following the crash, the Salisbury Train Crash Disaster Appeal Committee was established to support the families impacted by the accident.
Generous residents donated around $30,000 to the appeal, with the funds used to provide immediate support to impacted families by assisting them with funeral costs, loss of wages, and loss of personal belongings.
Funding was also allocated to commission a memorial for the accident, with the South Australian Passenger Transport Board contributing $10,000 of grant funding to Council for the construction of the memorial.
A new memorial sculpture will be installed near the Salisbury Interchange as part of the Church and John Streets Revitalisation Project – the sculpture is being designed by South Australian artist, Dave Clarke.
The sculpture resembles a floral wreath, with four columns representing the number of lives lost. It will also feature a paved area which represents families and the community coming together.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tragic accident, the City of Salisbury will lay a wreath and light a candle at the Salisbury Community Hub on the morning of Monday, 24 October.
Additionally, Council staff will hold a minute’s silence on Monday, 24 October at 3:33pm, the time of the accident. One minute of silence will also be observed at the Council meeting held later that day at 5.30pm.
The City of Salisbury continues to remember all the families and community members impacted by this tragedy on this significant anniversary.
For further information, please contact the City of Salisbury on: 8406 8222.