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Introduction
A Sydney Trains worker has died after being trapped for hours inside a cherry picker that collided with a disused railway bridge in New South Wales’ Central West. The collision caused the bridge to partially collapse onto the vehicle, prompting a major emergency response in Lithgow.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to Inch Street, Lithgow, around 8:50am on Thursday, November 6, after reports that a cherry picker had struck a railway bridge and become pinned beneath falling debris.
Two men were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. The 38-year-old driver managed to free himself and was treated for minor injuries before being taken to Lithgow Hospital for mandatory testing.
However, the 34-year-old passenger remained trapped in the crushed cabin. Despite a multi-hour rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scene and Response
Footage from the site shows the disused bridge collapsed onto the cherry picker, completely blocking the road. Specialist rescue crews worked for hours to stabilise the structure before gaining access to the vehicle.
A Sydney Trains spokesperson confirmed both men were employees of the organisation and expressed condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are supporting our people and the authorities as they investigate what occurred.”
Investigation
Police established a large exclusion zone around Inch Street as structural engineers assessed the safety of the collapsed bridge. The scene remained cordoned off late into the afternoon while investigators examined the wreckage.
Officers from the Chifley Police District are leading the investigation, assisted by the NSW Work Health and Safety regulator. Authorities have urged anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.
Wider Safety Context
Incidents involving mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), such as cherry pickers, continue to pose risks in both construction and maintenance sectors. The NSW regulator has repeatedly warned operators to ensure adequate clearance near bridges, overhead structures, and powerlines.
Sydney Trains and its contractors are expected to review site procedures, route planning, and mechanical safety checks following the fatal crash.
Conclusion
The Lithgow tragedy marks another serious workplace death within NSW’s transport infrastructure network. As investigations continue, questions remain about how the cherry picker came to collide with the bridge and whether additional safeguards could have prevented the fatal collapse.