The section of line on which two railway maintenance workers were killed in New South Wales, Australia, had its speed limit increased a fortnight ago according to the Australian publication the Daily Telegraph.
Two signal technicians, employed by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), were carrying out electrical repairs to the line near Singleton Station in the Hunter Valley when they were struck by a northbound 100-carriage empty coal train.
The men have yet to be formally identified due to the extent of their injuries.
Initial reports yesterday said the train was estimated to be traveling at 80km/h but local residents have told the newspaper they received a letter from the ARTC just three weeks ago notifying them of a speed limit increase on the track to 110km/h, effective from 1 July this year.
The ARTC has denied any recent changes in line speed, adding that speed limit variations on rail lines were in accordance with track improvements.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is currently working to determine the speed of the train, which continued for almost 1km after hitting the men before it came to a halt.
The line remains closed as forensic officers examine the site.
