WARNING: Story may be distressing
In a tragic accident that has left Sydney and the wider Australian community in mourning, a man and his toddler child have lost their lives at Sydney’s Carlton Railway Station. The mother, who witnessed the entire accident unfolding before her, made a desperate plea as she watched the pram carrying her twin girls roll onto train tracks, with CCTV footage capturing the entire moment before the tragedy unfolded.
The tragedy unfolded in the blink of an eye
On Sunday afternoon, witnesses watched on in horror as a pram carrying twin girls rolled onto the tracks and into the path of an oncoming train. Their 40-year-old father jumped onto the tracks to try and rescue his two daughters. Despite immediate response efforts, one of the two-year-old girls and the 40-year-old father Anand Runwal were pronounced dead at the scene. Both the daughter and the 39-year-old mother escaped injury and were treated by paramedics at the scene.
Police praised the “heroic and brave” actions of the father in attempting to rescue his children before being struck.
According to 7News, witnesses reported hearing the mother calling to her husband to “save my babies” as he tried to lift the pram from the tracks. Just heartbreaking.
Child rescued from under the train
Witnesses said they saw the pram roll under the path of a train and called police, when they arrived they were able to located the pram and heard crying.
“Police and other emergency services responded quickly and saw the pram under the train, they could hear crying from underneath the train,” St George Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Paul Dunstan said.
“Police then climbed under the train and rescued one of the children who was thankfully unharmed, and reunited her with her mother.
“Sadly the other child, a two-year-old female, and her father who had attempted to save the child, have passed away as a result of this incident.”
Police speak out
NSW Police Superintendent Paul Dunstan told reporters that responding officers could hear crying from underneath the train.
The parents had arrived on the platform via an elevator and the father had taken his hand off the pram for “a very, very short period of time” when it began to roll. It was thought a strong gust of wind pushed the pram into the path of the tracks, and investigators are trying to work out what caused the pram to roll onto the tracks.
“Whether it’s a gust of wind … we’re not quite sure. But it appears that the pram has instantly started to roll in the direction of the train lines.”
Dunstan described the father then went into “parent mode” as he jumped onto the tracks to retrieve the pram and save his daughters.
“Police and other emergency services responded quickly, and saw the pram under the train, and could hear crying coming from underneath the train,” he said.
“Police climbed under the train and rescued one of the children, who was thankfully unharmed, and reunited her with the mother.
“Sadly, the other child, a two-year-old female, and her father who attempted to save the child, have passed away as a result of this incident.”
The train was not due to stop at Carlton, but had slowed its speed to pass through the station.
Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a “terrible, terrible tragedy”.
“This is a very confronting and sad day for the St George community,” he said.
“I hope over time they can gain some small solace knowing that the father died from an extraordinary, instinctive act of bravery.”
“That’s not going to bring him or his little daughter back. But it shouldn’t go unremarked upon in the face of a terrible, terrible accident, he gave his own life to try and save his children.”
The investigation is ongoing. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Community Impact
The family, who were very well known in the Indian community in Sydney, were very well reespected. They were seen as a hard working family, having only just moved here to Australia 10 months ago after a new job opportunity arose.
accident has deeply affected the local community, with many parents expressing their shock and grief. Train stations are a part of everyday life for many families, whether for commuting, errands, or leisure, and this tragedy has underscored the potential dangers that can exist in these everyday environments. It’s a timely reminder to everyone of the need for constant vigilance and care.
A timely reminder for pram safety
Authorities have long emphasised the importance of safety measures at train stations. This tragic accident highlights the critical need for parents and guardians to ensure prams and strollers are always secured and never left unattended. Engaging the brake on a pram, using the pram tether strap, keeping a firm hold, and being mindful of the surroundings can help prevent such heart-wrenching accidents.
Support and Condolences
Support has poured in from across the community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and solidarity with the grieving family. Counselling services have been made available to those directly affected, including first responders and witnesses who may be dealing with trauma from the incident. Local officials are also exploring additional safety measures at train stations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Lessons for Parents
For Australian mums and dads, this tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in everyday activities. Whether it’s a routine trip to the train station, a walk in the park, or a drive to school, each moment requires a keen awareness of potential risks and the implementation of safety measures.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always Engage Pram Brakes: Ensure the pram brake is engaged whenever stationary, especially on platforms and other potentially hazardous areas.
- Use Tether Straps: Most prams these days already come with a tether strap, so be sure to use these when using your pram, especially on busy roads or in unfamiliar areas where the pram may not be secure. They can readily be purchased at most baby retailers like Baby Bunting.
- Stay Vigilant: Never leave a pram unattended, and always keep a firm hold, particularly when near edges or slopes.
- Educate and Practice: Teach older children about safety around tracks and other high-risk areas. Practice safety drills so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
- Stay Close: Keep young children close by, and if possible, hold their hands to prevent them from wandering into dangerous areas.
Moving Forward
While no words can truly comfort the grieving family, the hope is that this tragedy will lead to increased awareness and preventative measures to ensure the safety of all passengers. Transport authorities are likely to review and enhance safety protocols, and public awareness campaigns may be implemented to reinforce the importance of vigilance.
In conclusion, the accident at Carlton Railway Station has cast a sombre shadow over the community. As we grieve the loss of a young life and a devoted father, let this incident serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of everyday safety. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
By remaining vigilant and proactive, we can help prevent similar tragedies and ensure a safer environment for all, particularly for our children.
