‘Suspicious package’ at Southern Cross Station triggers major train delays

Melbourne train commuters have been hit with long delays after a “suspicious package” forced the closure of platforms at Southern Cross Station.

Police at the scene at Southern Cross Station. Picture: Fergus Ellis

Train commuters have been hit with big delays after a “suspicious package” was found at Southern Cross Station.

A safety check was carried out after initial reports suggested the item had been discovered on platform 15.

Police cordoned off several platforms to investigate, disrupting train lines from about 8.20am.

Officers from the Bomb Response Unit were called to assist at the scene.

A spokesman from the Department of Transport said the incident was being handled by police and was still under investigation.

✅ Werribee/Williamstown line: Trains are resuming Newport - Footscray after a Police request at Southern Cross.

First trains to resume will be:
The 12:36 pm Flinders Street to Williamstown.
The 11:39 am Werribee to Flinders Street.

Replacement buses may supplement train… pic.twitter.com/LjlpyU3jEu

— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) June 15, 2023

â›”Werribee/Williamstown lines: Buses replace trains between Newport and Footscray due to a police request at Southern Cross.

-Outbound passengers to board a Sunbury bound service and change at Footscray for a replacement bus service. pic.twitter.com/RH9s6eWui2

— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) June 15, 2023

They confirmed that the Werribee and Williamstown lines had been affected by the platform closures.

Services began to resume about 1pm on Thursday.

Those travelling from or to Southern Cross station were urged to avoid the blocked-off platforms.

In response to frustrated commuters, Metro Trains posted an update on Twitter saying that a police request was responsible for delays.

But some passengers complained about very long delays across the train network as police continued to probe the scene.

Originally published as ‘Suspicious package’ at Southern Cross Station triggers major train delays