A 16-year-old girl who was killed after being dragged more than 200 meters under a tram in Sydney has been identified – with heartbroken friends paying tribute to their ‘beautiful angel’.
Kyra Dulguime was killed shortly after midnight on Wednesday night after falling into a gap between two LRV trains on the George Street platform in the city’s CBD.
Emergency services desperately tried to save the critically injured 16-year-old, but despite fighting for two hours, she died at the scene.
On Thursday, her devastated friends posted messages and flowers near the scene of the teen’s death.
Clearly emotional, they embraced and lit candles in memory of Kyra as commuters passed by.
A message on Facebook read: “I love you and I (will) miss you, our beautiful angel, Kyra Dulguime.
“I just can’t believe you’re gone. Rest in the arms of our Lord and may eternal light shine upon you.’
Witnesses told Daily Mail Australia that the girl had been trying to cross the tracks between two carriages when the tram stopped at a red light near the Chinatown light rail stop.
When the tram suddenly started to move, it became trapped under one of the carriages and was dragged onto the road before the driver came to a stop.
Kyra Dulguime has been identified as the 16-year-old who died after falling between trams in Sydney’s CBD on Wednesday
Kyra was killed shortly after falling into a gap between two LRVs – despite desperate efforts to save her
On Thursday, her devastated friends posted messages and flowers near the George Street platform in the CBD where the teen died
She was killed shortly after she fell into a gap between two light rail carriages at midnight on Wednesday night on the George Street platform in the city’s CBD.
NSW Police officers and firefighters worked frantically to free the girl trapped under a tramcar, but she died at the scene
Mohammed Aqil Abdulla, 29, was working the night shift at TSG Tobacco Station near the Chinatown stop when he heard terrifying screams.
“The tram dragged her from the traffic lights to the next platform, about 200 meters,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“She was trapped between the compartments.”
Mr Abdulla said he heard the girl tried to cross between wagons when the tram stopped at traffic lights.
“She wanted to jump from the other side, but suddenly the light changed and she was caught in the middle,” he said.
“The driver wouldn’t have seen her.”
Witnesses shouted “Help her! Help her!”. The police and paramedics rushed to the scene, but I think she was dead on the spot.’
The shopkeeper added: “She was only 16. I feel sorry for her family, it’s so sad.
Shocked witnesses have described how the horror incident unfolded
Another distraught witness said tThe girl was with a friend when she was hit and that other passengers on the tram had tried to help her.
Footage from the scene showed distraught passengers being comforted and led away by emergency responders.
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry described the incident as a “difficult and tragic situation” for firefighters who rushed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, paramedics were on scene to assess and treat the victim who was trapped under this light rail carriage. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done about it,” he told reporters.
“Firefighters and police rescue teams led by tram drivers used hydraulic lifting cylinders and high-pressure airbags to lift the 10-tonne car and remove the 16-year-old’s body.”
Supt Dewberry could not comment on how the teenager became trapped under the tram while police were still investigating.
The male tram driver, 52, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Police cordoned off the area to cordon off a crime scene and investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Tobacco shop clerk Mohammed Aqil Abdulla (pictured) was working the night shift when the horrific incident unfolded nearby
The tragedy occurred near Haymarket, near the Chinatown light rail stop
The police investigated the scene and the tram in the early hours of Thursday morning
Light rail services resumed around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, in time for the morning rush hour (pictured)
The tram has since been removed from the scene as the police investigation into the tragedy continues.
Light rail services between Central and Circular Quay resumed around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, in time for the morning rush hour.
“Everyone at Transport for NSW is saddened by the death of a teenage girl at a light rail stop in central Sydney,” said Transport for NSW Secretary Howard Collins.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.
“We thank emergency services, staff and everyone who provided assistance last night for their efforts and will provide our staff with the support they need.”