Armadale line incident caused by train hitting trolley believed to be put deliberately on tracks

The commuter chaos that plagued the Armadale line on Wednesday was caused by a train crashing into a tram, which authorities believe was placed there deliberately.

According to a spokesperson for the Public Transport Authority, the train crashed into the tram just before 5.30am on Wednesday and the tram became trapped under the train.

The teams worked to remove the tram for about two hours, and the tram was finally removed at around 07.30.

The incident led to the closure of a section of the Armadale line between Cannington and Gosnells, forcing passengers to change emergency buses.

The train was then sent to storage for inspection.

While train services resumed around 8 a.m., the regular schedule did not return until 9 a.m.

While investigations continue, authorities believe the tram was placed there on purpose.

“The tram appears to have been deliberately placed on the railway line and investigations are ongoing,” the spokesman said.

If caught, the perpetrator may face serious punishment.

“Anyone caught committing a crime on PTA property will be charged if evidence identifies those responsible,” a PTA spokesman said.

“Under Article 451 of the Criminal Code, the crime of intent to obstruct or damage the railway carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.”