A teenage boy is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a moving train while train surfing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the railway corridor between Wynyard and Milsons Point train stations at approximately 11.30am local time on Thursday, November 12, following reports of a person falling onto the tracks.
Police issue stark warning
Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, New South Wales Inspector Luke Barrett said the boy was participating in train surfing when the incident occurred.
"Initial inquiries and review of CCTV and speaking to witnesses on board the service indicate that the male was riding on the outside of the train in an activity that is commonly referred to as buffer riding," he said.
"This is a tragic incident not only for the male but also his family.
"We would like to take this opportunity to encourage any person that is considering or actively engaged in this type of activity to not get caught up in the social media hype, in the videos that circulate glorifying this type of activity," he added. "This is highly dangerous and carries an extreme level of risk."
Critical injuries and hospital response
The boy was found with critical injuries to his head, chest, and pelvis. A CareFlight helicopter landed in Bradfield Park to bring a specialist medical team to assist.
He was still being treated by New South Wales Ambulance paramedics at the scene at 1pm, before being rushed by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.
Sydney Trains confirmed the teenager fell from the back carriage of a Tangara passenger train which was passing over the Harbour Bridge.
Multi-agency investigation launched
Shortly after the incident, police issued a statement about launching a multi-agency operation.
The statement read: "A multi-agency operation is underway on the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a teenage boy fell from a train a short time ago.
"Emergency services were called to the railway corridor between Wynyard and Milsons Point train stations about 11:30am today (Thursday 12 November 2026), following reports a person had fallen onto the tracks.
"Officers attached to the Police Transport Command (PTC) and Sydney City Police Area Command and have been told a teenage boy had fallen from a train onto the tracks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
"A Careflight Helicopter landed in Bradfield Park with a medical team; they and NSW Ambulance paramedics are now treating the boy.
"Police have commenced an investigation into the incident.
"Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages."
Police have urged anyone with information to get in touch, with the boy now being treated by medics.
