Man hit by tram on launch date of Rail Safety Week
The public are being reminded to pay attention near light rail after a man was hit by a tram at the start of Rail Safety Week
A 61-year-old man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after being hit by a tram on the same day Transport Canberra launched Rail Safety Week.
The man was rushed to Canberra Hospital after suffering head, chest and limb injuries after he was hit at the intersection of Northbourne Ave and Barry Drive about 9.15am on Monday.
It is the second time a person has been hit by a light rail vehicle with the first incident happening at the same intersection on March 9 during the trial phase.
The latest accident follows the ACT Government’s release just last week of footage showing several near misses involving pedestrians, cars and cyclists.
Light rail and bus services were disrupted by this morning’s incident but have now returned to normal.
Cara Matthews, who works at Bean Cutlure cafe opposite where the accident happened, said one of their customers called the ambulance after seeing him get hit.
“She said he just stepped out without looking and when he realised what was happening he put his arms up to shield himself,” she said.
“She screamed and went outside and called the ambulance; it all happened within a matter of milliseconds.
“People were running out trying to help and everyone was in shock.”
Ms Matthews said a cyclist was hit by a garbage truck at the same intersection about two months ago.
Transport Canberra’s director light rail operations Ian McGlinn said the driver is “shaken” by the “shocking” incident and is undergoing counselling.
The emergency brakes had been applied and the tram’s window had been smashed during the collision.
When asked whether safety would be improved at the intersection, he said: “Like any incident, we will take the opportunity to review the pedestrian movements in the area and just see the actual circumstances surrounding this incident.”
“Anyone in Canberra this morning would have noticed it was a very clear day so the vision the driver would have had would have been very good,” he said.
“Today is the commencement of Light Rail Safety week and I think this serves as a timely reminder that we can’t be complacent in any way, shape or form when we interact with the light rail.
“We released footage last week of aleast ten near misses where you can see people’s lack of respect for personal safety and movement around the light rail.”
He warned people not to be looking down at their phones or allow themselves to be distracted by headphones while crossing the tracks.
“Light rail vehicles are quieter in their movement as they are electric, they do have bells and whistles to warn people but I think what we need people to do is take responsibility as they’re moving around the alignment.”
ACT Ambulance Service duty officer of operations Steve Mitchell said the man suffered head, chest and limb injuries and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
“We had an off duty paramedic who witnessed this incident and she provided first aid while the ambulance was on its way,” he said.
John Mikita said he had noticed the tram had come to a stop as he was walking up the street.
“I walked up to see what was going on and I noticed a fellow sitting up, he seemed to be talking and someone was consoling him,” Mr Mikita said.
“All of a sudden I heard sirens coming from everywhere and emergency services were there within a couple of minutes.
“We were struck by the fact the response so big when he did not look that bad but then he started moaning and you could hear him from across the street.
“Today is the first day of light rail safety week so it’s unfortunate this happened; people should take care.”
An ESA spokeswoman said an off-duty paramedic was fortunately walking by and was able to provide medical treatment immediately.
“The patient was treated at the scene and transported to hospital in a serious condition,” she said.
The incident happened on the same day Canberra Metro launched its Rail Safety Week campaign, which runs from August 12 to 18 and encourages pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to pay attention when near the light rail.
Transport Minister Chris Steel said pedestrians and cyclists should be alert to their surroundings, limit distractions such as mobile phones and headphones when walking or cycling near or across light rail tracks, and only cross the tracks at designated walkways.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we can all work harder to reduce the risk of someone getting hurt,” Mr Steel said.
“It is important that we all take steps to be safe. This includes staying behind the yellow line at the light rail stop, stopping to look both ways before you cross, and paying attention around the tracks and stops.
“These steps apply to all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
“We ask that all road users remember to always check blind spots, particularly to your right, before crossing light rail tracks.”
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