Trespassers narrowly escape path of V/Line train at Ballan

Footage has emerged of trespassers narrowly escaping the path of a V/Line train in the state’s west.

A group of motorbike riders were travelling along the train line, with one rider forced to abandon his bike on the tracks. 

Click PLAY below to watch the footage

The driver, Colin Sharp, told Neil Mitchell he initially thought he’d hit the man.

Mr Sharp said people aren’t aware how much time and space a train travelling at 160kph needs to stop.

He said the riders were only about 50m away from a proper crossing point.

V/Line has reiterated its message to the community to play it safe near rail lines.

Click play for the interview with the train driver Colin Sharp