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Commuter train hits buffers in Sydney, injuring 15 passengers

The scene at Richmond Train Station in Sydney - REUTERS
The scene at Richmond Train Station in Sydney - REUTERS

At least 15 commuters suffered injuries when a train derailed at the end of the line in Sydney during the Monday morning rush hour.

Passengers said the train came to a sudden stop as it hit the buffers and left the track at Richmond station, in the north-west of city, just before 10am.

Three people were reported trapped in the front carriage as emergency helicopters flew to the scene.

“Paramedics are currently responding to a train incident at Richmond. Triple Zero (000) call came in just before 10am,” a statement from New South Wales Ambulance said.

It added that three helicopters had also been dispatched to the scene.

Two patients were reported to have spinal injuries.

"It's everything from walking patients with minor injuries to patients that will require hospital transport," said Chris Bray, Ambulance NSW spokesman, adding that 15 people had been injured.

An injured passenger at Richmond station - Credit: Handout via Reuters
An injured passenger at Richmond station Credit: Handout via Reuters

The owner of a shop close to the station told ABC News he felt the impact.

"I heard this big bang and it shook the whole building," he said. "I just thought 'what the hell was that?’”

Early reports suggested the train had derailed but Howard Collins, the head of Sydney Trains, told ABC News that was not the case.

Pictures shared online show damage to the train and to the platform.

Sydney trains announced that a replacement rail service would operate.