By ANEEKA SIMONIS
PRECIOUS moments that may have changed the outcome of a horror fire which destroyed a Pakenham home were lost after an emergency response team was held up at a notorious level-crossing.
With sirens blaring, at least one firetruck responding to an emergency call as a home in Belvedere Drive, Pakenham went up in flames was caught in a jam behind the lowered boomgates at McGregor Road.
Witnesses said the truck was caught behind the level-crossing for up to 10 minutes, however CFA Senior Station Officer David Murdoch said two trains travelling in opposite directions set the responders back by up to three minutes.
Pakenham, Toomuc, Nar Nar Goon, Officer and Frankston CFA units were called out to the fire after 4.30pm on Monday 30 November but were sadly unable to protect the home, left with a partially caved-in roof and extensive internal damage.
Melinda Reid, who lived with her husband Scott Reid and kids Jasmine and Bailey at the home, said she was “annoyed” to hear the rail crossing held up fire-fighters.
Her sentiments were mirrored by Mr Murdoch who said level-crossings impacted on travel times for emergency responders who played a critical role in emergencies such as fires.
“Anything that would improve travel times would be of benefit to emergency services,” he said, suggesting rail overpass or underpass infrastructure as a solution.
“CFA will not cross rail crossings when there are trains approaching for the safety of our crews and that of the general public.”
Residents have long been asking for an upgrade to the nightmare level-crossing, the site of peak-time bottlenecks as the road tapers down to a single lane approaching the train line.
A spokesperson for Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan acknowledged the impacts level-crossings could have on emergency response times but did not suggest the problem would be fixed anytime soon.
“All level crossings are dangerous, all cause congestion, and all delay emergency services when minutes matter,” the spokesperson said.
“While the McGregor Road crossing is not on the government’s list of 50, it will be considered for removal in the future as part of our ongoing focus on better roads, better public transport and safer communities through the removal of dangerous and congested level crossings.“
The CFA Fire Investigation Team deemed the house fire was sparked from a leaking gas pipe feeding through to the gas hot water system.
It is believed to have ignited after the escaping gas came into contact with the pilot light.
Mr Murdoch said more than one household was impacted by the blaze.
“Significant damage was done to this residence due to the fire spreading quickly from the ruptured gas pipe, which allowed vertical travel up into the roof space,” he said.
“The residence next door had direct flame damage into one of its bedrooms, which was quickly brought under control by fire-fighters.”
It’s not the only danger associated with the level-crossing.
Drivers desperate to break free of the traffic gridlock are often reportedly spotted stopping on the railway track or driving through when the lights flash and bells ring out.
Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue described the behaviour as “dangerous” during his unsuccessful plea for the State Government to upgrade the crossing in the mid-year budget.
