Sydneysiders will face major delays during their commute to work on Wednesday morning, hours after a power failure caused widespread chaos.
The network came to an abrupt standstill on Tuesday afternoon after a passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney’s inner-west, which triggered a power outage.
Major disruptions across the network continued well into late Tuesday night, where buses were still replacing trains on several lines across the city.
Sydney Trains couldn’t rule out further delays in an update shared shortly before midnight.
‘At this stage we have no forecast if morning services will be impacted,’ the alert read.
‘We will let you know when we have more information.’
Sydney Trains later confirmed commuters’ worst fears.
‘Train services on most lines will be impacted his morning due to power supply issues at Strathfield,’ a 3am alert read.
‘Trains will continue to operate on all lines but will not run to timetable and the frequency of service will be reduced.’
Commuters will likely face more delays on Wednesday morning. Pictured is Town Hall station during Tuesday night’s chaos
The 1500-volt power connector livewire fell onto the train carrying 300 passengers
Limited buses are supplementing trains between Lidcombe and Ashfield.
‘Please delay all non-essential travel or consider using other transport where possible,’ Sydney Trains added.
‘We expect all lines at Strathfield to be open again around 6.30am.’
About 300 passengers on board the packed train hit by live wires were stranded for three hours before they were evacuated by carriages one by one.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham described the situation as dangerous and life-threatening as a 1500-volt power connector was sitting on top of the train.
This is a very serious incident, right in the heart of Sydney’s train network,’ Mr Graham told ABC News.
Mr Graham said the train’s pantograph collided with overhead wires, causing the damage.
Footage showed impacted passengers being escorted off the train and walking along the tracks to safety.
Passengers queue outside the Gadigal Metro Station after being sent from Town Hall Station
A passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney’s inner-west. Pictured are passengers being evacuated
The power outage caused three other trains to come to a halt, with staff arriving on site to evacuate the passengers.
Mr Graham said works were underway to move the affected trains and remove them from the network, which would allow trains to operate once the wires are repaired.
‘We are aware this will cause major problems and delays. We are advising in the morning to make sure you check the latest information,’ Mr Graham said.
‘It’s possible there could be some knock-on effects.’
Strathfield is a major interchange for multiple lines, where the incident caused widespread delays across the network.
Commuters were advised to delay ‘non-essential travel or consider alternative transport arrangements’.
‘This incident occurred between Homebush and Strathfield station. This is such a big part of the network. Those lines running close to each other, any disruption has a ripple affect,’ Mr Graham said.
‘It has impacted every line on the Sydney metro apart of the T4 Line.’
Delays on Sydney’s trains are expected to last throughout Tuesday evening. Pictured are fed up commuters at Town Hall station
The Metro, light rail and local buses weren’t impacted.
Metro Station platforms such as Gadigal, across the road from Town Hall train station saw massive queues, as thousands scrambled to find an alternative route home.
‘About a million people rely on public transport to move around the city. This is a big impact, the rail network is crucial. It’s greatly assisted by the bus and metro network. The fact they are running is making it easier tonight,’ Mr Graham said.
