Commuters are warned to brace for MORE chaos on Sydney’s rail network as major delays expected wreak havoc during morning peak hour

By NICHOLAS COMINO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA and AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 17:00 BST, 20 May 2025 | Updated: 17:10 BST, 20 May 2025

Sydneysiders should brace for more delays during their commute to work on Wednesday morning hours after a power failure caused widespread chaos.

The network was brought to a standstill on Tuesday afternoon after a passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney’s west, which triggered a power outage.

Major disruptions across the network continued well into late Tuesday night, where buses were still replacing trains on several lines across the city. 

Sydney Trains was unable to rule out further delays in its latest update shared shortly before midnight.

‘At this stage we have no forecast if morning services will be impacted,’ the alert read.

‘We will let you know when we have more information.’

About 300 passengers on board the packed train hit by live wires were stranded for three hours before they were evacuated one by one. 

NSW Transport Minister John Graham described the situation as dangerous, saying a 1500-volt power connector was sitting on top of the train.

Commuters will likely face more delays on Wednesday morning. Pictured is Town Hall station during Tuesday night’s chaos

The train was evacuated after passengers were stranded for hours 

This is a very serious incident, right in the heart of Sydney’s train network,’ Mr Graham told ABC News.

Mr Graham said the train’s pantograph collided with overhead wires causing the damage.

Aerial footage showed passengers being ushered off the train and walking along the tracks to safety.

The power outage caused three other trains to come to a halt, with staff arriving on site to evacuate the passengers.

Mr Graham said works were underway to move the affected trains and remove them from the network, which would allow trains to operate once the wires are repaired. 

‘We are aware this will cause major problems and delays. We are advising in the morning to make sure you check the latest information,’ Mr Graham said.

‘It’s possible there could be some knock-on effects.’  

Strathfield is a major interchange for multiple routes, where the incident is caused cascading delays elsewhere on the network.

Passengers queue outside the Gadigal Metro Station after being sent from Town Hall Station 

The 1500-volt power connector livewire fell onto the train carrying 300 passengers

Commuters were advised to delay ‘non-essential travel or consider alternative transport arrangements’.

‘This incident occurred between Homebush and Strathfield station. This is such a big part of the network. Those lines running close to each other, any disruption has a ripple affect,’ Mr Graham said.

‘It has impacted every line on the Sydney metro apart of the T4 Line.’

The Metro, Light Rail and local buses weren’t impacted.

Metro Station platforms such as Gadigal, across the road from Town Hall train station saw massive queues, as thousands sought alternative travel. 

Buses are running and an agreement has been reached with rideshare operator Uber to avoid surge charging during the incident.

‘About a million people rely on public transport to move around the city. This is a big impact, the rail network is crucial. It’s greatly assisted by the bus and metro network. The fact they are running is making it easier tonight,’ Mr Graham said.

An update on services is expected to be provided in the coming hours, including how it will impact Wednesday’s morning peak hour.

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Commuters are warned to brace for MORE chaos on Sydney’s rail network as major delays expected wreak havoc during morning peak hour

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