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CCTV shows train speeding into Sydney station moments before crash

A major investigation is underway after a Sydney train derailed at the end of the line injuring 16 people, including five who were seriously hurt.

Just before 10am on Monday, a new Waratah train came to a crashing halt at Richmond station, slamming into the buffer at the end of the line.

Security video shows the train coming into the station, then bouncing back on impact.

A major investigation is underway after a Sydney train derailed at the end of the line injuring 16 people. Source: 7 News
A major investigation is underway after a Sydney train derailed at the end of the line injuring 16 people. Source: 7 News

Passengers waiting to get off were sent flying as carriages jumped off the tracks.

Injured staff and passengers can be seen stumbling along the platform, while others went carriage by carriage, checking for more casualties. One man could be seen left sprawled on the floor.

Passengers waiting to get off were sent flying as carriages jumped off the tracks. Source: 7 News
Passengers waiting to get off were sent flying as carriages jumped off the tracks. Source: 7 News

“F***! Everyone right up there?” one man can be heard on mobile phone footage checking on the injured commuters.

Another man responds: “F****** hell, there's blood everywhere, bro."

The first man reassures those onboard: “The ambulance is on the way.”

One man could be seen left sprawled on the floor. Source: 7 News
One man could be seen left sprawled on the floor. Source: 7 News

One witness, identified only as Noel, told 7 News: “Passengers in the train were standing up and they were just like Superman after it hit. They were just flying through the carriage.”

Passenger Jaiden Ruttley said he heard “a massive bang” before he was sent flying from his seat.

“People were screaming and in pain,” he said.

Rescuers carried those seriously injured from the carriages, with broken bones and suspected spinal injuries. Source: 7 News
Rescuers carried those seriously injured from the carriages, with broken bones and suspected spinal injuries. Source: 7 News

Harold Johainsen told 7 News: “I heard... it was like a loud, like a screech, it was like the train had quickly put its brakes on.”

“It was just like a lot of G force, like it just hit and threw everyone backwards,” Bailey Hope added.

Another witness Gail Denning added: “[The train] just hit the barrier and lifted up off the ground.”

Within minutes, dozens of emergency crews lined Market Street. Rescuers carried those seriously injured from the carriages, with broken bones and suspected spinal injuries.

A field triage was set up in a nearby oval for the walking wounded - most with cuts and bruises. Among them was a train cleaner, and a guard, who were both taken to hospital.

A field triage was set up in a nearby oval for the walking wounded - most with cuts and bruises. Source: 7 News
A field triage was set up in a nearby oval for the walking wounded - most with cuts and bruises. Source: 7 News

NSW Ambulance Acting Superintendent Stephen Vaughan praised commuters on the platform for pitching in to help the first paramedics on scene.

“It's all hands on deck and those that are willing to help it was greatly appreciated,” he said.

Passengers say instead of slowing, the train accelerated as it approached the station, travelling up to an estimated 70km/h moments before impact.

Footage shows the train 200 metres before the station, still travelling at speed.

Immediate speculation on the cause centred on brake failure.

Passengers say instead of slowing, the train accelerated as it approached the station, travelling up to an estimated 70km/h moments before impact. Source: 7 News
Passengers say instead of slowing, the train accelerated as it approached the station, travelling up to an estimated 70km/h moments before impact. Source: 7 News

Many of those hurt remain in hospital, however the news about injuries is better than the initial reports to paramedics.

The most elderly person injured, a 77 year-old woman, will be staying at Westmead Hospital overnight, with a fractured collar bone and a shoulder injury.

Also still being treated are two women, aged 69 and 60, as well as a 22 year-old man. It is likely some patients, initially thought to have suspected spinal injuries, could have received severe whiplash.

The new Waratah trains are fitted with a black box, just like an aircraft, so all of the data recorded is already being analysed. Source: 7 News
The new Waratah trains are fitted with a black box, just like an aircraft, so all of the data recorded is already being analysed. Source: 7 News

Earlier on Monday, a 26 year-old woman and five other passengers were discharged from Blacktown Hospital.

The new Waratah trains are fitted with a black box, just like an aircraft, so all of the data recorded is already being analysed.

The big concern is there could be a fault that also affects the rest of the fleet.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters a thorough investigation would be undertaken. Source: 7 News
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters a thorough investigation would be undertaken. Source: 7 News

Monday’s incident was the most serious involving a Waratah train since they came into service in 2011.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters a thorough investigation would be undertaken.

“We will ensure that we not only find out the cause but take every action we can to make sure it doesn't happen again.”

The driver was questioned at length by detectives, before being taken away for drug and alcohol tests.

One platform at Richmond station has reopened since the crash, the second will remain closed until the train is taken away Tuesday morning.