On 20 November 1989 a suburban electric passenger train collided with another which was stopped at Syndal Station. An inquiry found that the collision was due to human error in that the driver had passed the previous automatic signal as permitted by prevailing regulations, but proceeded at a speed which was considered to be inappropriate for the conditions.

The driver first observed the stationary train when it was only approximately 50-60 m away as his vision was impeded by foliage on the left hand side of the railway line. The estimated speed on impact was 40 km per hour. The impact pushed the stationary train forward approximately 2-3 m. As a result of the collision 75 people were injured.