‘Brave’ father and toddler die in twin stroller tragedy

A heroic father has died trying to save his twins, one of whom survived, after their stroller rolled onto train tracks.

Emergency services were called to Carlton train station in Sydney’s south at 12.25pm ​​on Sunday after reports of a pram rolling off the platform.

A 40-year-old man and his two-year-old daughter died at the scene, NSW police confirmed.

Her twin sister and their 39-year-old mother survived.

The man instinctively tried to save his two children, school principal Paul Dunstan told reporters on Sunday.

“When they got out of the elevator, they took their hands off the stroller for a very, very short time. Whether it was a gust of wind or, we’re not sure, it looks like the stroller immediately started rolling towards the railway line.

“He just went into ‘parent mode’ and tried to save his two young daughters who had fallen onto the tracks. He lost his life in the process, but it was an incredibly brave and heroic act by the father,” he said.

Police have reviewed CCTV footage as they investigate and must also determine the speed of the train.

According to Chief Inspector Dunstan, the train would not stop at the station.

“The train stopped just a short distance from the end of the platform, so it appeared to slow down as it passed through the station,” he said.

Sydney Trains managing director Matt Longland said drivers were instructed to proceed with caution to stations and staff involved were being supported.

“They are two of our most experienced crew members… but the nature of this incident was clearly very confronting,” Mr Longland said.

The rail, tram and bus union also said it would provide support.

Prime Minister Chris Minns said the father died as a result of an extraordinary and instinctive act of bravery.

“It won’t bring him and his daughter back, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed,” Mr Minns said.

“In a terrible, terrible accident, he gave his own life to save his children.”

The surviving girl managed to avoid injury, Chief Inspector Dunstan said.

“I think more about happiness than anything else.

“The officers who climbed under the train said she was between the tracks, because of the way she fell, and she was largely unharmed,” he said.

The mother was traumatized.

“She is a member of the local Indian community and has a lot of support from her friends and family, but she is clearly in shock and struggling to come to terms with what has happened today,” said Detective Chief Inspector Dunstan.

The public is urged to avoid the area. Buses will replace trains for the time being.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.