Five people treated by paramedics after collision between Sydney light rail tram and fire truck. NSW Ambulance says two people have been taken to hospital for treatment after a collision between a tram and a fire truck in Sydney's CBD.
Key points:
- A 71-year-old tram passenger suffered injuries to her chest and ribs
- The fire truck was travelling to an emergency at the time of the crash
- Authorities say it will take about six hours to remove the light rail from the intersection
The collision happened on Eddy Avenue at Pitt Street about 10.40am.
A 71-year-old woman who was on board the tram sustained injuries to her ribs and chest and has been transported to St Vincent's Hospital in a stable condition, a spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said.
One of the Fire and Rescue officers has been taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for minor injuries.
Three others were treated at the scene, including a 62-year-old woman also travelling on the tram and a firefighter suffering from shock.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Ben Saywell said it was lucky no one was seriously injured.
"NSW Ambulance paramedics were initially called to treat five patients," he said.
"Three people were assessed by paramedics and didn't require any further treatment, while two people were taken to hospital.
"This occurred in a really busy part of the CBD with a lot of pedestrians, so we're thankful that no one was seriously injured."
The fire truck was travelling to a priority job with lights and sirens on at the time of the accident, chief inspector with Sydney police area command Gary Coffey said.
"I understand that NSW Fire and Rescue were responding to an automated alarm in Dixon Street," he said.
"Obviously it's a traumatic experience not only for the members of Fire and Rescue but also the passengers on board the light rail vehicle."
The light rail tram, which has sustained major damage to its first carriage, is now partly derailed.
Mr Coffey said it would take about six hours to remove the light rail from the intersection.
He said it was "quite rare" to have these types of incidents and he had never seen an emergency vehicle collide with a tram.
CCTV from the area means police have a "clear understanding" of the circumstances leading up to the crash, he said.
Pitt Street is blocked in both directions at Eddy Avenue.
There is also no access to Eddy Avenue from Elizabeth Street.
Light rail services are not running between Central and Circular Quay on the L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line but continue to run between Central, Randwick and Juniors Kingsford.
Passengers travelling between Central and Circular Quay should use alternative transport such as a train, or consider walking instead.
Buses are diverting away from the intersection of Pitt Street and Eddy Avenue.
