Police believe a catastrophe was avoided after a message was relayed to the V/Line driver “just in time” that the young child was on, or near, the tracks.

The driver was able to slow the train enough to avoid a serious incident, but was seconds away from a major trauma for all involved.

Police were contacted on Sunday evening with reports the child, who has autism, walked from a Kangaroo Flat residence to train tracks at the rear of Lansell Square shopping centre.

Sergeant Mark Holloway said the child had a “fascination with trains”.

A member of the public alerted police that a child was near the railway tracks.

The 5.39pm service from Melbourne to Bendigo was at Kangaroo Flat Railway Station when police released the message.

V/Line was contacted and a message was relayed to the driver, who spotted the child on the tracks and managed to stop in time.

Constable Narelle Taylor said police arrived at the scene and became increasingly concerned when they heard a “train horn” nearby.

“The child saw the train approach and ran in front of it,” she said.

“The driver had just been notified and saw the child on the tracks. The train managed to stop in time.

“Police were already in the vicinity searching.

“The driver thought he may have clipped the child.”

Officers ran several hundred metres to the site, where they found the child without injury. The driver left the train to attend to the child.

An ambulance was called and the child was taken to Bendigo Hospital for observation, but did not require further treatment.

Sergeant Holloway said there was “suspenseful trauma” for those attending the incident, but overwhelming relief at the outcome.

V/Line communications manager Rob Curtain said it was a trying incident for the driver.

“It’s an example of the challenges our train drivers face daily, with the potential for people, vehicles or objects to be encountered on the tracks,” he said.

“Everyone is relieved that a tragedy has been avoided – and it serves as another reminder of the need to stay safe by keeping well clear of the rail corridor.”

Counselling has been offered to all staff involved in the incident.