Update at 5.20pm: An electrical fault on a Sydney-bound XPT has been cited as the reason for evacuating about 260 passengers.
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Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Norman Buckley said that there were no fires and that the suspected gas leak was an electrical smell.
“There were no fires, just a really strong electrical smell,” Superintendent Buckley said.
“We got the call at about 3.05pm today and had crews from Harden, Cootamundra and Young attending.
“There were no injuries as well, we just had to manage the risks.”
NSW TrainLink is in the process of replacing the affected carriage.
Buses are also organised for affected passengers.
NSW Police and Ambulance also attended.
TrainLink has been contacted for more details.
Earlier: The Sydney-bound XPT is stranded at Cootamundra due to a suspected gas leak.
It is understood the train departed from Cootamundra as scheduled, before stopping on the tracks about 15 minutes later and returning to the station.
A passenger travelling on the regional train said they were told an electrical fault was the cause of the turnaround, and that a strong gas smell had been found in one carriage.
Emergency services including police, Fire and Rescue NSW crews and ambulances were already at the station when the train pulled back in, the passenger said.
They were then asked to disembark the train around 2.40pm and passengers have been waiting at the station as temperatures soared to 37 degrees.
A HAZMAT team also inspected the train, the passenger said.
It is understood bus services have been arranged and are en route to collect the travelers.
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