Schoolboy dragged by train after backpack caught in ‘traumatic’ incident | World | News

The Year 7 pupil was standing on a platform at a railway station in North Melbourne, Australia on Monday, May 11 at around 4pm when his backpack became entangled between carriages.

Australian news broadcaster Seven News reported that the boy had been attempting to retrieve his phone. It is understood he was struck by the train, dragged several metres and subsequently trapped beneath it in front of a crowd of horrified commuters, among them fellow pupils from his school.

Fire and Rescue Victoria deployed a hydraulic jack to lift the train and release the stricken boy, who reportedly sustained serious injuries to his lower body.

It has been reported that the rescue operation took between 45 minutes and an hour.

He was treated by eight paramedics before being rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition under “lights and sirens” — the most urgent level of response available to emergency services.

The boy is set to receive treatment for severe injuries to his lower legs, with Ambulance Victoria describing it as an incredibly traumatic scene.

Paramedic Alex Hemsley said: “Very traumatic scene for all involved.

“They did a fantastic job. They did everything as quickly as they could have done, provided the highest-level care to this young person in potentially one of the most traumatic days of their lives,” she said.

First responders are currently being supported by counselling services. The principal of the boy’s school, St Aloysius College, dispatched an email to students and parents following the incident to provide support.

“At approximately 4pm today, we received reports that one of our Year 7 students was involved in an accident at North Melbourne Train Station,” the principal wrote.

“At this stage, we have very few specific details regarding the circumstances or the student’s current condition.

“Events like this can be deeply unsettling for our young people. Please be mindful of your child’s wellbeing this evening.”

Paramedics are optimistic about a complete recovery, Seven News reported.