Such was the speed of V/Line passenger train, it passed through Ballarat station at 100km/h and destroyed the Lydiard Street gates at 93km/h on May 30, 2020.

The traffic lights for road traffic were still showing amber at the time of the crash (see above), having only changed from green one second before the crash.

There had also been three pedestrians walk over the Lydiard Street crossing just 49 seconds before the crash.

It was also revealed that the train had earlier passed over the Humffray Street crossing at 117km/h, where the flashing lights, bells and boom barriers were "likely" all operating, according to the report.

The report states there was noted "wheel slip" and "wheel slide" first recorded near Ballan.

However, there were issues with "sanding" - a system that deploys sand to provide traction for the wheels of the train.

The train's event recorder detected that the Wheel Slip/Slide Protection system was active for about 75 per cent of the time in the first five kilometres after departing Ballan.

The train driver had tried braking 4.9km away from the Ballarat Station, with the train travelling at 160km/h.

The train was still travelling at 160km/h just 3.1km from the station, despite attempts at braking.

While just 650 metres away from the Ballarat station, the train was still travelling at 117km/h as it crossed Humffray Street.

The emergency brake was applied 235 metres away from Ballarat, with the train travelling at 99km/h.

The "sanding" valve had been operating for the majority of the final few kilometres.

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After crashing through the Lydiard Street gates, the train passed the Doveton Street crossing at 73km/h, which is 377 metres beyond the Ballarat Station.

Again, the report states it was "likely" the flashing lights, bells and boom barriers were operating but with reduced warning time.

The train came to rest 600 metres beyond its intended point.

"As a result of testing, performance issues with the sanding system on VLocity 3VL70 were identified and Bombardier has subsequently undertaken fleet-wide testing of VLocity sanders and performed remedial action where required," the report states.

As for injuries, the report said passengers and crew had been subjected to high lateral forces as the train negotiated the points.

"One passenger had been seated as the train arrived into Ballarat Station," the report said.

"This person indicated to the conductor that they were uninjured.

"The other passenger had been standing near an exit door as the train approached Ballarat Station.

"This person sustained head, back, and leg injuries and was taken off the train by emergency services and admitted to hospital."

This preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation's early evidence collection phase, and has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public.

Preliminary reports contain no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the investigation's final report.

It is not yet known when the final report will be released.

The preliminary report can be read in full here.

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