Teen struck in fatal tram tragedy identified
The teenage girl who died after becoming trapped under a tram in Sydney’s CBD has been identified.
Kyra Dulguime, 16, was killed while climbing through two tram carriages in the early hours of the morning on May 11.
Emergency services were called to the light rail stop at Haymarket shortly after midnight following reports of a teen being struck by a tram.
Police found the 16-year-old girl trapped under the tram with critical injuries.
NSW Police told 7News that the girl was attempting to climb through the exterior link which connects one carriage to another.
Police said once the tram began moving away from the Goulburn Street intersection, the teenager became trapped.
The girl is thought to have been dragged over 200 metres while her friend screamed for help, alerting the driver to stop at the light rail station in China Town.
Tributes have flown for the young girl following her tragic death, with her friends placing messages and flowers near the scene of the tragedy.
They were seen embracing each other and lighting candles in Kyra’s memory as commuters passed by.
“I love you and i missed you our beautiful angel Kyra Dulguime we will missed you so much…” one wrote on Facebook.
“Rest in peace in the arms of our lord and may the perpetual light shine upon you.”
Witnesses told Nine News the teenage girl was attempting to cross George Street by jumping through the gap between two carriages before she became trapped underneath.
“We were screaming, ‘help her, help her,’ so the police and paramedic rushed to the spot,” one man said.
Mohammed Aqil Abdulla, 29, was working the night shift at TSG Tobacco Station near the Chinatown light rail stop when he heard deafening screams.
“The tram dragged her from the lights to the next platform, roughly 200metres,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“She was stuck in between the compartments.”
Mr Abdulla said he had heard the girl had attempted to cross between carriages while the tram was stationary at traffic lights.
“She wanted to jump from the other side, but suddenly the light changed, and she was stuck in between,” he said.
“The driver wouldn't have seen her.”
“Witnesses were screaming "Help her! Help her!". The police and paramedics rushed to the spot, but I think she was dead on the spot.”
“She was just 16. I feel sorry for her family, it's so sad.” He added.
Another witness said the girl was with a friend when she was struck and that other passengers on the tram had tried to help her.
A police rescue crew and Fire and Rescue NSW worked to free the girl.
Paramedics treated her immediately but she died at the scene.
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry described the incident as a “difficult and tragic situation” for firefighters who rushed to the scene.
“On arrival, paramedics were on scene assessing and treating the casualty who was trapped underneath this light rail carriage. Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done,” he told reporters.
“Firefighters and police rescue teams under the guidance of tram engineers used hydraulic lifting rams and high pressure air bags to lift the 10 tonne carriage and remove the 16-year-old’s body."
The 52-year-old male tram driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
It was established as a crime scene and investigation is now underway.
Light rail services between Central and Circular Quay were halted throughout the morning while investigators combed the scene.
The tram has since been removed and regular timetables resumed as of 6am that day.
“Everyone at Transport for NSW is saddened by the death of a teenage girl at a light rail stop in central Sydney overnight,” Transport for NSW Secretary Howard Collins said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.
"We thank emergency services, staff and anyone who rendered assistance for their efforts last night and we will provide our staff with the support they need.”
Image credit: Facebook/Sunrise