headline

Football academy praises ‘much-loved’ student who became trapped under train

An elite Melbourne football academy has thrown its support behind a Year 7 Melbourne schoolboy who was pulled onto train tracks in a horror accident after his bag became snagged.

The St Aloysius College student trains with Lustica Football, a high-performance soccer training academy for kids.

The academy said in a social media post that 12-year-old Chris was a "much-loved" member. 

READ MORE: All the winners and losers of the Federal Budget

The Year 7 student, Chris, is in a stable condition in hospital.

"Chris is currently receiving world-class care and ongoing medical treatment, surrounded by the support of his family and loved ones," Lustica Football said in the post, adding that Chris and his family were in their thoughts and prayers.

The young student was in a stable condition at the Royal Children's Hospital on Wednesday morning. 

Chris was at North Melbourne Station just before 4 pm on Monday afternoon when his bag became caught on the train, causing him to fall onto the track.

Firefighters spent more than 30 minutes using hydraulic jacks to lift the train wheels after the boy's leg became trapped underneath it, according to Fire Rescue Victoria.

"The extrication was lengthy, lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, however we were safely able to get the young person to Royal Children's Hospital," Ambulance Victoria paramedic Alex Hemsley said.

"Very traumatic scene for all involved."

"A fellow student pressed the platform emergency button and contacted Triple-Zero, while other students communicated clearly with transport authorities," St Aloysius College North Melbourne principal Mary Farah said.

Chris was rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition, which has since improved to stable.

Counselling is being provided to impacted students, staff and families, the college said.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.