Problems near Mount Druitt

[David & Julie Donald <dsjmd@hermes.net.au>]

Some people in Sydney may be aware that there was a major problem in the western
suburbs today, including the two Up's between St Marys and Mount Druitt (just
west of the old "Waterworks").  The official version of the problem, which must
have occurred just before lunchtime, was that there were overhead problems. 
However, I have heard that a road vehicle (truck, bus etc) hit an overhead
staunchion.  There has also been talk about there being a derailment.

I came through the area at around 12 noon, and there were suburban trains
sitting on both the Main and Suburban, still with passengers on board.  There
were a number of ambulances parked on the downside of the track, and there were
many people lurking around the rear of the trains.

For a number of hours, all down (westbound services were operating on the Down
Main), whilst up (eastbound) were opening via SAO's on the Down suburban.  Some
of the Blue Mountains IU services were stopping at all stations from Blacktown
to Penrith.  The Up Suburban was re-opened at 1510, but as at 1630 the Main was
still closed.

I suspect that there will be chaos tonight during the peak, with many trains
still  stuck in the western suburbs.

Anyone with further information ??
-- 

Regards

David Donald
Springwood, NSW

dsjmd@hermes.net.au