Melbourne trains: Southern Cross Station turmoil as fire breaks out, major issues for commuters

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
A fire has caused widespread train delays in Melbourne.
A fire has caused widespread train delays in Melbourne. Credit: 7NEWS, Facebook.

Commuters at one of Melbourne’s busiest stations have been left stranded, and the rail network has been thrown into chaos after a fire shut down most services in and out of the transport hub.

Southern Cross Station in the heart of the CBD went into emergency mode after a fire broke out under a bridge in West Melbourne.

Fire Rescue squads swarmed on a property near the bridge on Roslyn St at around 3pm on Wednesday after reports of the fire burning near the railway tracks.

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“Firefighters arrived in six minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a 30 x 10 metre storage building underneath the Dudley Street railway bridge,” Fire Rescue Victoria said.

“Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building and found various equipment and contents on fire. A search confirmed no persons inside the structure.

“Trains were halted while firefighters fought the fire and later inspected the rail line for fire extension. The fire was contained to the contents of the building.

“FRV crews were able to quell the flames and bring the fire under control at 03.33pm, 28 minutes after arriving on scene.

“No injuries have been reported,” FRV added.

Metro Trains who manage the rail network in the area said that there were “major delays due to a fire brigade request in the North Melbourne area.”

“Services are currently terminating / originating at intermediate stations,” a statement issued on social media said.

“Check information displays and listen for announcements as services may be altered at short notice.”

Multiple train lines in and around Craigieburn, Upfield, Werribee, Williamstown and Sunbury have been impacted and will likely feel a significant flow-on effect into the evening commute.

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