Kyra Dulguime: Tributes flow for ‘angel’ killed in CBD light rail tragedy

As family and friends mourn, police are investigating whether a 16-year-old girl killed in a tram incident in Sydney’s CBD overnight was trying to jump over the gap between carriages.

The family of a 16-year-old who died in an accident on the light rail have gathered to remember and mourn their “angel” near the spot in Chinatown where she died.

Kyra Dulguime’s friends placed bouquets of flowers and messages near the George Street platform in the CBD where the teenager lost her life just hours earlier on Thursday morning.

The teenager’s heartbroken friends lit candles around the base of a tree just outside the platform and hugged each other, as peak hour commuters rushing by passed on their condolences.

Ms Dulguime died just after 12am on Thursday after becoming trapped under a tram in the Sydney CBD.

“I love you and I (will) miss you, our beautiful angel, Kyra Dulguime,” a friend wrote on Facebook.

Kyra Dulguime, 16, was killed in an accident on the light rail in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday. Picture: Facebook

Some of the teenager’s friends placed bouquets of flowers and messages near where she died on George St, while others took to Facebook to pay tribute.

“I just can’t believe that you’re gone. Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon you.”

Emergency services were called to George St in Haymarket, but witnesses reported she had initially tried to jump “through the gap” between carriages a few hundred metres away at the intersection with Goulburn St.

Police Rescue and Fire and Rescue NSW worked for hours to free the girl. Picture: 7News

A 16-year-old girl has died after becoming trapped under a tram in Sydney’s CBD. Picture: 7News

Police said they arrived to find her critically injured. She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said all emergency services were called to the “difficult and tragic” event.

“The casualty was trapped underneath the light rail carriage,” he said.

Mr Dewberry said NSW police rescue, paramedics and fire and rescue crews worked alongside Transdev engineers for two hours to lift the carriage and free the teen.

They used hydraulic tools to lift the tram off the railing and wooden blocks to stabilise it so they could get to the girl.

“Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done,” he said.

A witness told Nine News the teenage girl was trying to cross George St by jumping through the gap between two carriages when she became trapped beneath the tram.

Passengers on board could only watch in horror as the tram ground to a halt.

A NSW Police spokesman confirmed they were investigating whether the girl was trying to cross through the middle carriages when she became trapped.

A witness said the girl was trying to jump through the gap between tram carriages when she fell through. Picture: NCA Newswire/Damian Shaw

Hydraulic tools were used to lift the tram off the railing and wooden blocks to stabilise it so they could get to the girl. Picture: 7News

Police are investigating whether the teen and her friend had spent the evening out in the city prior to the incident.

Mohammed aqil Abdulla was working the night shift at the tobacco store opposite China Town Light Rail Station when the fatal incident occurred.

Flowers at the scene where Kyra Dulguime was killed after being caught under a tram. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“It happened around 12am. I was here working the night shift but I couldn’t see the incident,” Mr Abdulla said.

“People were screaming and shouting ‘help, help, help’, so I went outside and saw what was going on.

Tram services had resumed by 6am after the overnight incident. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Mr Abdulla said he believes the teenager made contact with the tram further up George St before becoming trapped between carriages and carried down 200 metres past China Town Station.

“The light rail dragged her from that (North) side to this side (South),” he said.

The tram driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Picture: 7News

Police established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash with the driver of the tram – a 52-year old man – taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Transport for NSW Secretary Howard Collins said the department were saddened by the death.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones,” Mr Collins said.

“We thank emergency services, staff and anyone who rendered assistance for their efforts last night and we will provide our staff with the support they need.”

Light rail services between Central and Circular Quay were halted throughout the morning while investigators combed the scene.

The tram has since been removed and regular timetables resumed as of 6am on Thursday morning.