Suspected graffiti vandal killed after being hit by train

A suspected graffiti vandal was hit and killed by a Sydney train, with the tragedy causing delays on the city’s rail network in the lead-up to peak hour.

It is believed the victim was spraying graffiti on a stationary train between Riverwood and Narwee on Wednesday afternoon when he stepped back into the path of an express train.

A second man with him was physically uninjured, but the tragedy left him traumatised.

It is believed the pair were wearing hi-vis vests to reduce suspicion as they snuck onto the tracks.

The locomotive pulled up as quickly as possible, with more than 100 people stuck on board for about an hour before they were allowed off as police investigated.

The train line has since reopened but buses may replace some services.

NSW Police are working to establish what the man was doing on the tracks.

“We’re investigating along the lines of a misadventure – we don’t believe it’s self-harm,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

A crime scene was set up at the station and a report will be prepared for the coroner.