Alert train driver saves 300 lives in Australia

An alert train driver in Australia averted a disaster and saved at least 300 lives when he stopped the train just 20 metres ahead of a break in the rail track, officials said

Investigations are on into the incident to determine why the Melbourne-Sydney train was incorrectly routed to a track undergoing maintenance, the Herald Sun reported.

The passenger train was travelling at about 80 km per hour when the driver saw a maintenance vehicle. He managed to apply the brakes and the train came to a halt.

"It wouldn't have stopped. People would have lost their lives," said Mark Marotta of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

The driver and maintenance crew were badly shaken by the incident, officials said.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has initiated a full internal investigation.