Man pleads guilty to careless driving over crash that derailed train
A man who drove his truck into a train on a level crossing in Katherine in 2023, causing it to derail and injure two workers, has pleaded guilty to two counts of careless driving causing harm.
Christopher Berto, a 37-year-old man from Katherine, has pleaded guilty to two counts of careless driving causing harm following a 2023 train derailment incident. On June 14, 2023, Berto was driving a road train when it collided with a locomotive on June 14, 2023. The court heard that Berto was in his fourth run of the morning, transporting gravel from a quarry.
The truck's collision with the train caused it to derail, resulting in injuries to two workers on board. Berto pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court, stating he had no explanation for not seeing the crossing lights when they began flashing. Prosecutors, however, argued that Berto should face imprisonment for his actions, as he caused serious harm to the injured workers.
One worker required surgery for a wrist injury and suffered psychological trauma, unable to return to work for three and a half months. The other worker sustained a back injury, requiring ongoing physiotherapy and impacting his ability to care for his children. The injured workers have also faced financial difficulties and had to change careers. Berto's case will return to court for sentencing next month.
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