Tree falls and hits train at Montmorency station
A tree which collapsed across Montmorency station could have been “disastrous” had it toppled during the peak-hour rush. So what caused the towering gum to fall?
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A tree collapsed across the platform of Montmorency station and onto a train on Tuesday night, forcing the Hurstbridge line to come to a standstill for up to three hours.
Nillumbik State Emergency Service unit controller Glenn O’Donnell said “quite a large” branch broke halfway up the trunk of a gum tree and fell onto the city-bound service about 8pm.
Buses replaced trains between Macleod and Eltham stations.
Mr O’Donnell said the incident could have been “disastrous” if it had happened during the evening peak hour rush.
“Luckily there were no injuries — it was a complicated job because our crews had to take quite a lot of precautions,” he said.
“We had to shut the power, remove the head of the tree which had fallen onto the train and make sure all passengers continued on their journey safely.”
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Metro Trains spokesperson Andrew Nelson said there was no significant damage to the train or any overhead power lines.
The Hurstbridge line was restored about 1am.
Mr O’Donnell warned a lack of rain had caused other trees to fall across the area.
“The root systems are very dry at the moment so there is always a risk they can topple, especially older trees,” he said.