Details on how light rail tragedy in Sydney unfolded as man killed

Police have revealed how the tragedy unfolded after a man in his 40s died after becoming trapped under a light rail.

A man in his 40s has died after being hit by the light rail in Sydney’s inner-city.

Emergency services were called to Devonshire Street in Surry Hills just before 1.15pm on Thursday.

They found a man, believed to be aged in his 40s, under the carriage.

Witnesses have described the chaotic scene with about 20 police cars and multiple paramedics.

Police set up a tent and used large blue tarps to provide privacy and block public view of the operation as they worked to free the man.

Surry Hills Police Inspector Anderson Lessing said it is believed the man was aged in his 40s, but had yet not been formally identified.

Inspector Lessing said witness statements and CCTV footage showed the man was waiting on the platform and stepped off to try and cross the tram line between the carriages.

The man died at the scene. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

“It appears to be a set of tragic circumstances,” he said.

The inspector said when emergency services arrived the man was trapped under the carriage and police performed an operation to lift the carriage up and free the man.

“Emergency services provided medical care, but unfortunately, that male was pronounced deceased,” he said.

“It’s not suspicious, initial inquiries show he attempted to cross over the light rail between two carriages.

“At that time, the light rail commenced its journey, trapping the man underneath the light rail.”

Police and paramedics are on the scene. Picture: NewsWire

The man, believed to be aged in his 40s, was found under the carriage. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

A Hydraulic Floor Jack was used to lift the carriage and free the man.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the victim was in high-vis.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Crews worked to free the man, however, he died at the scene. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Commuters who travel by light rail between Circular Quay and Moore Park have been told to find alternative transport while emergency services and authorities carry out their investigation.

Light rail services are not running between Circular Quay and Moore Park and are expected to be unavailable for several hours on Thursday afternoon.

Transport for NSW General Coordinator Howard Collins said there were a few buses on the L2 and L3 routes to replace light rail services for students and others who were trying to get home, and alternative scheduled bus services were also available within a short walking distance.

He said once light rail services resumed they would advise people on social media.

“We are working now pretty hard to reinstate the service between Central Station and Circular Quay,” he said.

“Over the next few hours still expect disruption and listen out for information regarding the restoration service,

“The L1 Central to Dudley service is still operating.”

Originally published as Details on how light rail tragedy in Sydney unfolded as man killed