Schoolboy in critical condition after becoming trapped under train at North Melbourne Station

Disaster struck when the young boy’s backpack became stuck between carriages.

A schoolboy is in a critical condition after becoming trapped under a train at North Melbourne Station in a dramatic operation that took up to an hour to complete.

The young boy was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital under lights and sirens just before 4pm on Monday after suffering serious lower body injuries.

The incident occurred when the boy’s backpack became stuck between carriages and he subsequently fell onto the train tracks.

Emergency services received several triple-0 calls, sparking a mammoth rescue operation involving rescue crews, police and multiple advanced life paramedics.

The extrication took between 45 minutes and an hour, with crews working to free the trapped child in what Ambulance Victoria described as an incredibly traumatic scene.

Paramedic Alex Hemsley said the incident was distressing for all involved, including emergency workers who will receive support.

“Very traumatic scene for all involved,” he said. “They did a fantastic job. They did everything as quickly as they could have done, provided the highest-level care to this young person in potentially one of the most traumatic days of their lives.”

Year 7 boy critically injured after being trapped under Melbourne train

Critical rail incident: A Year 7 student was trapped under a train at North Melbourne station and rescued after an hour-long operation.

Peak-hour disruption: The rescue caused cancellations and delays across multiple Melbourne train lines during the afternoon commute.

Community response: St Aloysius College is providing support to the boy’s family and affected students, with mental health resources offered.

Rescue operation under extreme conditions

Emergency services rushed to North Melbourne station about 4pm after a Year 7 boy was struck and trapped under a train on platform 6. Firefighters used hydraulic jacks to lift the carriage in a confined space, with the operation lasting 45 minutes to an hour. Paramedics, including advanced life support and intensive care teams, worked alongside firefighters before transporting the boy in critical condition to the Royal Children’s Hospital. ABC News Australia + 3

Complexities of the rescue operation

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Rescue required multi-agency coordination with firefighters and eight paramedics working simultaneously

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Hydraulic jacks were used to lift the train carefully to avoid further injury

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Emergency crews worked in a confined, high-risk space between train carriages

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The operation lasted 30 to 60 minutes due to careful extrication procedures

Emergency services were called to North Melbourne Railway Station about 4pm today. (ABC News)ABC News Australia

Major disruption to Melbourne’s rail network

The incident occurred during the afternoon peak, forcing cancellations and delays on the Werribee, Williamstown, Craigieburn, Upfield and some Frankston line services. Crowds built up at Southern Cross Station as passengers waited for services to resume. North Melbourne’s role as a key interchange meant the disruption quickly rippled across the network, also affecting some V/Line services towards Geelong. ABC News Australia + 2

First responders describe traumatic scene

Paramedic Alex Hemsley described the rescue as one of the most traumatic days for all involved, despite their training. Up to eight paramedics worked on site, providing the highest level of care amid confronting conditions. Support services are being offered to emergency crews who attended the scene. 9News + 2

School community offers support

St Aloysius College principal Mary Farah informed families of the accident and urged compassion for the student and his family. The school is providing mental health support, especially for students who witnessed the incident. Staff arrived at the station shortly after the accident to assist affected students and relatives. The Age + 1