[UPDATE 5.40PM] By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A YOUNG man reportedly attempting to race a train as it passed through Pakenham Railway Station, just after 4pm on Thursday 1 October, has been hospitalised in a serious condition.
The man, believed to be in his twenties, was riding a bike across the tracks when his bike was clipped by the train, causing him to become wedged underneath the moving train, according to Pakenham police Leading Senior Constable David Thomson.
It appears the train had just left the station, travelling inbound.
State Emergency Service (SES) Pakenham Rescue Commander Stephen Monro said it took emergency crews between 20 and 30 minutes to free the man, who sustained significant head and leg injuries.
The man was due to be airlifted to The Alfred hospital but was later conveyed by ambulance.
Trains were halted in both directions as a result of the incident.
SES members were seen assisting commuters from the stalled train, about 5pm.
The incident occurred an hour after a separate serious two-car collision on McGregor Road, Pakenham, involving a young boy and two women.
One of the women, described as sustaining critical head and chest injuries, was airlifted to The Alfred hospital from Pakenham Secondary College.
The second air ambulance due to airlift the injured rider left the school grounds without a passenger.
[EARLIER] By CASEY NEILL
A MAN aged in his twenties was struck by a train at Pakenham Railway Station just after 4pm on Thursday 1 October.
Speaking shortly after the incident, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said the man had significant head and leg injuries and an air ambulance was on its way.
Metro has advised that buses are replacing trains between Dandenong and Pakenham in both directions and that journey times will be extended.
We’ll bring you more information as it comes to hand.
