Trapped passengers walk from tram struck by tree at Pyrmont

Dozens of passengers have been walked from a light rail tram after a branch crashed into the front of it, smashing the windscreen and pulling down powerlines.

Dozens of passengers have been walked from a light rail tram after a branch crashed into the front of it, smashing the windscreen and pulling down powerlines.

After 90 minutes stuck between stations at Pyrmont – 67 passengers were walked along the tracks by Fire and Rescue NSW personnel and teams of rescue police just before 2pm.

Steven and Annabel Shields were on their way to an anime convention when the tree branch smashed into the front windscreen.

“There were a lot of sparks and the train sort of jolted,” Mr Shields said.

“It was definitely very surprising, but I think the driver was most shaken.”

Passengers are escorted by emergency services along the light train rail line after being trapped by a fallen tree. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Paramedics, police, and NSW Fire and Rescue were called to the scene at Bulwara Rd in Pyrmont at about 11:45am. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The tree came near Sydney Fish Market stop at Pyrmont.

While they were late to their convention, Mr and Mrs Shields were in good spirits.

“Everyone was happy,” Mrs Shields said.

“There were a couple of crying babies but nothing major.”

Joseph Tonel was on the light rail with his five-year-old son Gabriel when he heard a “loud bang” followed by the rattle of carriages.

“It was certainly something unusual,” Mr Tonel said.

“We’re just glad everyone is ok and no one was hurt.”

Gabriel passed the two-hour wait for help by drawing pictures of the tram and the sparks that flew from the roof when the tree fell.

“It was good, I was brave,” he said.

Transport Management confirmed services on the L1 Light Rail had been closed between Dulwich Hill and the Sydney Fish Market, while services between Central and John Street Square were unaffected.

Paramedics, police, and NSW Fire and Rescue were called to the scene at Bulwara Rd in Pyrmont at about 11:45am.

NSW Police said passengers could not be let off the light rail until the power lines were no longer active and it was safe to exit.

Sydney Light Rail Operator Transdev said the exit required “power in the area to be isolated, which required technicians to perform work on specific locations to ensure electrical safety”.

“Technical crews remain on site to assess the damage, however, repairs are expected to take some time.

“Light rail services continue to operate between Central and John Street Square at a reduced frequency.

“Buses are replacing services between Dulwich Hill and John Street Square stops.”

The light rail tram that had passengers stuck inside after a tree hit the line at Pyrmont after high winds.

The tree on the light rail tracks near the Fish Market stop at Pyrmont. Picture: NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

Severe weather warnings are in place across the state as damaging winds batter the East Coast this weekend, with speeds reaching up to 100km/h at Thredbo.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned an approaching cold front will sweep across the state on Saturday and will not expect to ease until Sunday morning.

Residents in coastal and inland areas are expected to be hit average winds of between 60 to 70km/h and peak gusts of about 100km/h.

Those bracing the cold in alpine regions have been warned by NSW National Parks and Wildlife to postpone any back country travel until conditions improve.

Thredbo Top Station recorded a wind gust of 107km/h on Saturday morning. Picture: Supplied.

Blizzard conditions have been forecast for regions above 1500m, with winds averaging between 80 to 100km/h and peak gusts expected to reach about 130km/h for areas above 1900m.

Half of the chairlifts at Thredbo have been closed as a result, including the Merritts Gondola, Kosciuszko Chairlift, and Basin T-bar.

Thredbo Top Station recorded a wind gust of 107km/h in the early hours of Saturday morning, followed closely by a reading of 100km/h at Nowra on the South Coast at 9:53am.

Locations that may be similarly effected by high winds include Newcastle, Sydney, Katoomba, Wollongong, Goulburn, and Cooma.

The State Emergency Service advises people to move their vehicles under cover or away from trees, keep at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, and stay vigilant in monitoring weather conditions.

Although Sunday forecasts predict a general easing of conditions, marine wind warnings will remain in place up and down the coast.

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