A dog owner who jumped onto railway tracks after an unrestrained pet has narrowly avoided being struck by an approaching train at Wellington Point Station, in an incident Queensland Rail says could have ended in tragedy.
CCTV footage shows the dog entering the tracks before its owner follows as a train approaches the station. Emergency procedures brought the train to a halt before it reached the pair, allowing both to return safely to the platform.
Queensland Rail spokesman Drew Brock said the incident was a stark reminder that people should never enter the rail corridor. He said passengers should not go trackside and warned that animals were not permitted on the network unless they were certified assistance animals, which must be restrained.
CCTV captures a series of avoidable incidents
The Wellington Point near-miss was among several incidents released by Queensland Rail as part of a broader safety warning.
At Pimpama, a man who tried to use his bag to stop train doors from closing was nearly dragged along as the train moved. Other footage showed passengers falling on staircases at Northgate and Fortitude Valley, while a person at Central Station fell backwards on an escalator after luggage was not properly secured.
Queensland Rail said recurring causes of customer injuries included rushing for services, mobile-phone distraction and attempts to beat closing train doors.
Brock said passengers should not put themselves at risk simply to save time and stressed that missing a train was preferable to suffering a serious injury.
Hundreds injured across South East network
Queensland Rail recorded 332 customer injuries across its South East network in the most recent financial year, down from 350 the previous year.
Roma Street Station recorded the highest number of injuries, with 61, followed by Central with 39. Helensvale recorded 14, Boggo Road 11 and Caboolture 10.
Queensland Rail advises passengers carrying large items to use lifts or ramps where available. It has also warned customers to remain alert around stations and avoid distractions near platforms, stairs and escalators.
Near-misses remain a persistent problem
Queensland Rail warns that trains cannot stop quickly or swerve to avoid people or objects on the tracks. It has also said near-misses can have a lasting traumatic impact on train drivers, staff, passengers and witnesses.
Queensland Rail advises customers never to enter the tracks themselves. If an item falls into the rail corridor, passengers should speak to station staff so it can be retrieved safely.
The latest footage involving the dog owner showed how quickly a routine situation could become life-threatening and reinforced its warning for passengers to stay off the tracks, avoid rushing and seek staff assistance when problems arise.
Published 9-Aug-2026
