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Two train drivers who lost their lives in a horror crash near the South Australia-NSW border have been identified as Port Augusta locals Kevin Baker, 57, and Mick Warren, 48.
The men were killed when a truck collided with their freight train on the Barrier Highway in South Australia's north-east yesterday morning.
Baker's heartbroken family, including partner of 29 years Petrea Ellis, issued a statement about the "devastating loss".
READ MORE: Truck driver charged after collision leaves two train drivers dead near SA-NSW border
"He leaves behind Taryn, Rhys, Tyler, Dylan and Joel, plus five grandkids with another on the way," the family said.
"He leaves behind his sisters Marianne Curley and Wendy Barnes.
"We are gutted by his loss."
Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine said the town's thoughts were with the families.
"Kevin was just a beautiful man and always friendly, always welcoming and always up for a chat and a laugh and very caring," Shine said.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the families and friends and work colleagues of these two amazing gentlemen who are very much embedded in our community."
Mick Warren, 48, was remembered as a champion golfer, whose name adorns honour boards at the Port Augusta Golf Club.
Pacific National's Patrick O'Donnell said the deaths hit the tight-knit rail community hard.
"Our thoughts are with their families, obviously the impact to our workmates and our colleagues is devastating," he said.
Today cranes began work to clear the wreckage, including about 110 wagons, with the cleanup expected to take days.
The B-triple truck involved in the smash was removed from the scene and placed under police guard to be investigated.
9News heard the intersection of the Barrier Highway was notorious for near misses, with rail workers fearing big B-triples hauling heavy loads were a growing danger on our roads.
"Those two drivers, our workmates and colleagues aren't coming home," O'Donnell said.
"Please slow down take care around level crossings, don't try and beat a train."
The National Rail Regulator is investigating to identify any immediate safety issues.
Police and emergency services responded to the serious crash at Bindarrah, 30 kilometres from the NSW border, about 10.30am on Sunday, closing the Barrier Highway in both directions.
A 75-year-old Queensland man, understood to be the truck driver, was taken to Broken Hill Hospital yesterday.
Today he was charged with with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
He is set to face Port Pirie Magistrates Court tomorrow.
