Man dies after becoming trapped under light rail

Light rail services have been disrupted for hours after a man was hit while attempting to cross the tracks between two carriages at the Surry Hills stop.

A man has died after being struck by a light rail carriage at the Surry Hills stop. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

A man has died after getting stuck under a light rail carriage while attempting to cross the tracks.

NSW Police Inspector Anderson Lessing said the man, in his 40s, had walked between two carriages as a tram was leaving the Surry Hills light rail stop on Devonshire St about 1.15pm on Thursday.

A major rescue operation ensued, with police setting up a tent and using large blue tarpaulins to shield the man from public view.

Insp Lessing said emergency services had ultimately lifted the carriage up and freed the man before placing him on the platform

The scene on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Thomas Lisson

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

The fatality caused significant disruptions on the city’s light rail network, halting services between Circular Quay and Moore Park for about three hours.

The rescue operation in Surry Hills. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Commuters were instead directed to catch buses, including replacement services running from Central, before the network returned to operating at full capacity.

Transport for NSW co-ordinator-general Howard Collins offered his condolences to the family of the man involved.

Emergency services at the scene. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“It’s not a very pleasant incident for anyone, but the professional way police and emergency services dealt with it should be commended,” he said.

“The rail regulator and the operator will review the situation from the police findings.”

The incident follows a similar death in May 2023, when a 16-year-old girl was killed while attempting to cross the light rail tracks between carriages at Haymarket.