Name: Driver survives 15m plunge after falling asleep behind wheel
Uploaded: 2025-12-03T06:09:54.051Z
Duration: 1 min 59 s
Description: A man in his 20s miraculously survived when his car veered off the Great Western Highway in Blaxland, crashed through a fence and plunged 15 metres onto train tracks. Power lines helped slow the fall, and no trains were running at the time, avoiding a potential disaster.

A man in his 20s miraculously survived when his car veered off the Great Western Highway in Blaxland, crashed through a fence and plunged 15 metres onto train tracks. Power lines helped slow the fall, and no trains were running at the time, avoiding a potential disaster.

Blaxland

A man in his 20s survived a serious crash on the Great Western Highway in Blaxland, New South Wales, after his car veered off the road, smashed through a fence, and plunged 15 metres down an embankment, coming to rest on train tracks. Authorities believe overhead power lines helped slow the vehicle's fall, likely saving his life, and note that the incident occurred before freight trains began running, preventing a potential collision.

The driver, who works early morning shifts as a cleaner, told reporters he fell asleep at the wheel. The crash disrupted train services between Springwood and Penrith, with 15 replacement buses deployed and repairs expected to extend beyond the following morning's peak period. Local residents described the crash site as a notorious accident spot and urged authorities to address safety concerns.

Driver survives 15m plunge after falling asleep behind wheel

Coasting down the Great Western Highway in Blaxland. A minute later, dash cam vision captures the moment the P-Planer runs off the road. Yee-haw! What the f***? The driver, a man in his 20s, walking away from the 15-metre crash with only minor bumps and scratches. I've been doing this job for over 37 years and I've seen my share of absolute miracles but this one's right up there for me. It's amazing how this young fella got out. It's just... I'll never forget seeing this thing. Just one of the great recoveries of all time. Just before 6am, the P-Planer's car ran off the road, smashing through the fence and ploughing down an embankment through power lines. And despite the obvious dangers, authorities say the 1500-watt overhead wiring likely saved the young man's life. It slowed the fall and then it's been able to just slowly hit the ballast or the tracks onto its roof. In another twist of luck, it was too early for freight trains to be running. 20 minutes later and the car could have been cleaned up on the track. Trains can't stop quickly and they definitely can't swerve. Locals say this stretch of highway is notorious for accidents. It actually is a bit of a dangerous spot and I really hope the authorities are looking at this now because this could have been an absolute tragedy. They fly around that bend as they move up towards Blackstone. A special forklift was brought in to clear the way. Teams working from the ground to avoid further damage to the cables above. The driver told 10 News he fell asleep behind the wheel before losing control of the vehicle. It's understood he works as a cleaner with jobs starting very early in the morning. The crash site halted trains from Springwood to Penrith. 15 replacement buses added to the schedule to help get travellers from A to B. News late this afternoon, repairs won't be completed by tomorrow morning's peak. Phoebe Murray, 10 News.

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