A truck driver who miraculously survived a collision with a train remains in hospital in a serious condition, after an accident police say could have led to extensive loss of life.
The passenger train and the truck collided with such force that several train carriages derailed at a level crossing near Pirron Yallock in regional Victoria.
The level crossing was due for safety upgrades and emergency services yesterday said the 103 passengers onboard were lucky to be alive.
Colac police Sergeant Shane Howard told the Warnamble Standard there could have been an extensive loss of life.
"There was that opportunity, but thankfully everyone has come out alive," Howard said.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said 19 people were treated for minor injuries at the scene and the male truck driver was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
On Thursday morning, his condition had improved but was still considered serious.
The level crossing was one of three locations identified as unsafe last year and the Victorian government fast-tracked $2 million in February 2015 for a safety upgrade as part of the part of the $50 million Safer Country Crossings program.
Opposition public transport spokesman David Hodgett said the government must explain when the remaining open level crossings would be made safer in light of this event.