Commuters watched in horror as a woman was struck and killed by a city-bound train on Tuesday afternoon after she became trapped on the tracks.
Police were told a 52-year-old woman had jumped onto the tracks at Punchbowl station to retrieve something she had dropped, but found herself unable to climb back up as a train approached.
The woman was struck by the train about 3.30pm.
Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics worked to free the woman and CPR was performed. However, she could not be saved.
Police have spoken with multiple witnesses to the tragedy and have reviewed CCTV footage from the platform as part of their investigation.
The train driver returned a negative breath test.
The tragic incident led to widespread delays on the rail network on Tuesday evening, with buses called in to replace services between Bankstown and Campsie.
A report will now be prepared for the Coroner.
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