A one-year-old girl has died after being struck by a freight train in the small rural town of Baan Baa, sending shockwaves through the close-knit regional community in north-western New South Wales.
Emergency services rushed to Baranbah Street just before 8pm on Friday, November 7, following reports that a child had been hit by a freight train. Despite desperate efforts by NSW Ambulance paramedics, the young girl succumbed to her injuries after being transported to hospital.
What Happened in Baan Baa
The incident unfolded around 7:50 pm on Friday evening in the tiny village of Baan Baa, located approximately 38 kilometres south-east of Narrabri on the Kamilaroi Highway.
Preliminary investigations by Oxley Police District revealed the toddler was walking along the road when she was clipped by the passing freight train. The railway track crosses Baranbah Street in the village, where the local grain terminal serves as the town’s main industry.
Officers established a crime scene immediately following the incident. Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. 
Baranbah Street Level Crossing
Emergency Response and Investigation
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the one-year-old for serious injuries at the scene before transporting her to hospital. Despite their best efforts, she could not be saved.
The train driver, a 22-year-old man, was uninjured in the incident but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing as per standard protocol. Police have not identified any fault on the driver’s part at this stage.
Inspector Peter Walton from Oxley Police District would likely be overseeing the investigation, with a full report to be prepared for the Coroner. Authorities are working to establish exactly how the child came to be on the railway tracks at the time of the incident.
About Baan Baa: A Small Railway Village
Baan Baa, pronounced “barn-bar”, derives its name from the Gamilaraay word meaning “place of baan (mistletoe)”. The village has a population of around 165 to 211 residents and sits between Boggabri and Narrabri in the Narrabri Shire.
Once a bustling railway village with its own bakery, butchery, general stores, and service station, Baan Baa now primarily functions as a grain rail terminal. The railway line through the town opened in October 1882, with the station following in 1883.
Today, the small community centres around the Railway Hotel, particularly during harvest season in November and December. The town serves the surrounding agricultural districts including Harparary, Maules Creek, and Turrawan, with wheat, barley, beef cattle, and cotton as major products.
Rail Safety Concerns in Regional NSW
This tragic incident highlights ongoing safety concerns around railway crossings and access points in rural areas. Regional towns like Baan Baa often have railway lines running through the centre of communities, with tracks crossing public roads and streets.
Transport for NSW has invested in rail safety education programs and level crossing improvements across the state. The government allocated $1.17 million in grants to improve safety on road approaches to level crossings in regional areas.
Rail Safety Week, held annually in August, promotes situational awareness around trains and rail infrastructure. The initiative brings together operators including Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and regional services to educate communities about rail safety.
However, accidents continue to occur, particularly in areas where residential zones intersect with active freight lines.
Road Motor Vehicle Struck by Countrylink Xplorer Passenger Service in 2004
Community Impact and Support
The death of a one-year-old child has devastated the small Baan Baa community. In towns of this size, residents typically know each other, making such tragedies particularly difficult to process.
The NSW State Emergency Service and local support services are expected to provide assistance to the affected family and community members struggling with the loss.
Similar tragic incidents have affected NSW communities throughout 2025, including Easter drownings on the NSW coast and various weather-related emergencies across the state.
What Happens Next
Oxley Police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Detectives will examine all available evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage if available, and the train’s data recorders.
A coronial inquest will ultimately determine the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death. The Coroner will examine how the child came to be on the railway tracks and whether any systemic safety issues contributed to the tragedy.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the NSW Police website. Information can be provided confidentially.
Rail Safety Reminders
Following this tragedy, authorities remind residents living near railway lines to:
- Supervise young children at all times near railway tracks
- Never walk on or near railway lines
- Only cross tracks at designated crossings
- Stay alert and remove headphones near railway infrastructure
- Report any safety concerns to authorities immediately
Trains cannot stop quickly and often travel faster than they appear. Even in quiet rural areas, freight services operate throughout the day and night.
Also Read: Graham Richardson’s Last Act of Love Before Passing at 76
Looking Forward
As Baan Baa’s community mourns this unimaginable loss, questions will inevitably arise about rail safety measures in small regional towns. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by heavy freight trains operating through residential areas.
The investigation findings may lead to renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at rural railway crossings and better community education about rail dangers, particularly for families with young children.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and allowing authorities to complete their investigation into this heartbreaking incident.
