Boom gates at LC open unexpectedly

Investigators are at a loss to understand what went wrong this week when a boom gate at a busy level crossing in Sunshine swung open as a train approached.

A V/Line VLocity train was about to pass through the Anderson Road level crossing about 7.15 on Sunday night when the boom gates opened.

The train passed through the level crossing without harm. Investigators are yet to identify what caused the malfunction.

''Until testing is undertaken this weekend we are unable to speculate on the cause of the issue, but needless to say we are taking this very seriously and await the results early next week,'' a spokeswoman for V/Line said.

In the meantime, Metro has placed staff at all level crossings and pedestrian crossings between Sydenham and Sunshine, who will operate the gates manually to make sure it does not happen again.