A pedestrian has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after he was hit by a light rail vehicle in Canberra, bringing some services to a halt, on the opening day of a light rail safety week campaign.
Police, ambulance and fire crews responded to the incident at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive at 9:15am.
"I was just having a coffee and looked up and saw a body flying through the air," a witness, Peter, said.
"I wasn't sure whether it was a kangaroo or a dog or a person.
"Everyone rushed up [to help] and I thought 'well there's enough troops'."
The injured 61-year-old was treated at the scene by paramedics and transported to hospital in a serious condition with head, chest and limb injuries, according to the ACT Emergency Services Agency.
Transport Canberra Director of Light Rail Operations Ian McGlinn said conditions were clear when the man was hit as he crossed the tracks.
"You would not think that there was any circumstances where the pedestrian couldn't be seen," he said.
"The emergency brakes were applied by the driver.
"It's a very timely reminder for people to take care. It's everybody's responsibility."
ACT Policing is investigating, and Mr McGlinn said Transport Canberra would also review the circumstances surrounding the crash.
"The driver … is quite shaken. They were relieved at the scene," he said.
"The driver was taken to the depot and is receiving some counselling."
Light rail services stopped running between Dickson Street and Alinga Street for over an hour, and emergency services told people to avoid the area.
However, the tram was still running between Gungahlin and Dickson.
The incident happened on the opening day of Canberra Metro's Rail Safety Week — a campaign designed to increase awareness.
Last week the authority also released a video showing a series of near misses on the tracks.
It is the second time a pedestrian has been hit by a light rail vehicle — and at the same location — after a man walked in front of a vehicle during testing in March.
