Sydney Trains Worker Dies After Cherry Picker Crash Causes Bridge Collapse in Lithgow

Incident Overview

On Thursday, 6 November 2025, a 34-year-old Sydney Trains worker died after being trapped in a cherry picker that collided with a disused railway bridge on Inch Street, Lithgow, in New South Wales’ Central West. The impact caused the bridge to partially collapse onto the vehicle, trapping the passenger in the crushed cabin for several hours.

A multi-hour rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics was unable to save the worker. The 38-year-old driver managed to free himself and was treated for minor injuries. SafeWork NSW and NSW Police have launched a joint investigation, and a report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.

• Fatalities:
  • On Thursday, 6 November 2025, a 34-year-old Sydney Trains worker died after being trapped in a cherry picker that collided with a disused railway bridge on Inch Street, Lithgow, in New South Wales’ Central West
• Injuries:
  • A multi-hour rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics was unable to save the worker

• On Thursday, 6 November 2025, a 34-year-old Sydney Trains worker died after being trapped in a cherry picker that collided with a disused railway bridge on Inch Street, Lithgow, in New South Wales’ Central West
• A multi-hour rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics was unable to save the worker

A multi-hour rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics was unable to save the worker. The 38-year-old driver managed to free himself and was treated for minor injuries. SafeWork NSW and NSW Police have launched a joint investigation, and a report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.

Officers from the Chifley Police District are leading the investigation, assisted by SafeWork NSW. Structural engineers assessed the safety of the collapsed bridge, and investigators examined the wreckage to determine the cause of the collision. A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner. Authorities have urged anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.

Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) such as cherry pickers continue to pose risks in construction and maintenance sectors. SafeWork NSW 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 this fatal incident.

SafeWork NSW and NSW Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from Inch Street, Lithgow, on Thursday, 6 November 2025 between 8:00am and 10:00am to come forward. Reports can be made to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or to Chifley Police District on 1800 226 000.

In Summary

Officers from the Chifley Police District are leading the investigation, assisted by SafeWork NSW. Structural engineers assessed the safety of the collapsed bridge, and investigators examined the wreckage to determine the cause of the collision. A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner. Authorities have urged anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.

SafeWork NSW and NSW Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from Inch Street, Lithgow, on Thursday, 6 November 2025 between 8:00am and 10:00am to come forward. Reports can be made to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or to Chifley Police District on 1800 226 000.