September 28, 2025

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Incident Overview
A man has died after being struck by a light rail vehicle in Canberra’s north on Saturday evening, September 27, 2025. At approximately 7:15 pm, emergency services were called to the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and the Barton Highway in Downer, where a 49-year-old man from Ngunnawal was hit. He was treated at the scene and transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries but died a short time later. This is the ACT’s first fatality involving light rail since the line began operating in 2019.

“Police said the man’s death was the territory’s fourth road fatality so far in 2025.” — ACT Police

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (approximately 7:15 pm)
  • Location: Intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Barton Highway, Downer, Canberra, ACT

Vehicles Involved

  • Light rail vehicle (Canberra Metro service)
  • Pedestrian: 49-year-old man from Ngunnawal (fatal)

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • 49-year-old male pedestrian from Ngunnawal, struck by light rail, transported to hospital but died shortly after.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • No other injuries reported.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services arrived at the Downer intersection shortly after 7:15 pm.
  • The man was treated at the scene before being transported to hospital.
  • He succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
  • The incident prompted a full response from ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team.

“It is the ACT’s first fatality related to a light rail vehicle since the line began operating in 2019.” — ACT Police

Police Investigation
ACT Policing’s Major Collision Team is investigating:

  • The circumstances that led to the man being struck by the light rail vehicle.
  • Whether environmental, behavioural, or operational factors contributed.
  • Eyewitness reports and dashcam/CCTV footage from the Northbourne Avenue corridor.

Community Impact
The man’s death marks the ACT’s fourth road fatality of 2025 and the first involving light rail since its launch in 2019. The incident has raised concerns about pedestrian safety around tram crossings in Canberra’s rapidly growing northern corridor.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers ACT: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppersact.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersact.com.au), quoting reference number P2385236
  • Witness Reporting: Contact ACT Policing directly or via the Major Collision Team.