Richmond train accident: Our hospitals respond

*** Story updated at 12.15pm, 23 January

Three people were trapped and several others injured when a train hit a rail buffer at Richmond in Sydney’s northwestern outskirts this morning.

An Ambulance spokesman said 17 ambulance crews and three rescue helicopters were responding to the accident at Richmond train station, which happened just before 10am today.

Eleven people were triaged and treated at a nearby oval. Five people remained on the train where they were treated before also being triaged. No one was trapped.

Sixteen people have been taken to hospital with varying injuries. Their injuries are not considered life threatening.

Westmead Hospital received five patients aged 77, 69, 60, 26 and 22.  Two remain in our care and are in a stable condition (77-year-old and 69-year-old).

Blacktown Hospital received five patients aged 23, 39, 45, 64 and 74.  All Blacktown Hospital patients have now been discharged.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said an investigation has commenced.

“Safety is our number one priority and we will now work to determine what caused the incident,” he said.

“As with accidents of this nature, investigators will start work immediately.”

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Corporate Communications team will keep the media and community informed on patient condition updates via its Twitter account, @WestSydHealth.

Our thoughts are with those affected by the accident.