Tram derails in Ascot Vale and crashes into bus shelter

A TRAM driver who crashed through a bus shelter and hit a fire hydrant before landing on the footpath in Melbourne’s inner-northwest overnight has told police he fell asleep.

A TRAM driver who crashed through a bus shelter and hit a fire hydrant before landing on the footpath in Melbourne’s inner-northwest overnight has told police he fell asleep.

The 49-year-old nodded off as his tram quickly approached an intersection on Maribyrnong Road at Ascot Vale and derailed about 12.20am.

“Unfortunately, the tram driver has admitted to falling asleep at the wheel of the tram,” Sergeant Jason Doyle said.

“He’s obviously approached (the intersection) at a speed that’s not able to handle the track.”

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It was unclear if the driver would be charged with careless driving, police said.

“People often use it (falling asleep) as a defence but it’s not a blanket defence, but if they fall asleep it makes it difficult,” Sgt Doyle said of the potential to lay charges.

The driver has been stood down as Yarra Trams conduct a separate investigation.

He was the only person on board and wasn’t injured, but the accident caused major traffic delays for peak-hour commuters.

A tram has smashed into a fire hydrant and a bus shelter after derailing on the corner off Maribyrnong Rd and Ascot Vale Rd. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Workers clean up the scene where a tram derailed and crashed. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The tram is towed pulled back onto the tracks. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The tram is pulled back to the tracks. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Heavy haulage on scene following a tram derailment in Ascot Vale. It took out a set of traffic lights, bus shelter and fire hydrant coming around the bend on Maribyrnong Rd at 12:20am. No passengers. 49yo driver uninjured but expected to be charged. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/ExjRnCt2UT

— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) March 26, 2018

A massive tow truck was sent to re-rail the tram at 6am, which was eventually towed to Essendon depot about 7.30am.

Ascot Vale Road reopened a short time later.

“The take-home message is no matter what you’re driving, don’t drive tired,” Sgt Doyle said.

The tram crashed into the fire hydrant and bus shelter at the intersection of Ascot Vale Rd and Maribyrnong Rd.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

— with AAP