A young child was dragged along a Melbourne street for a short distance after his legs became trapped in a bus door, an incident captured on security footage released by authorities. The boy, estimated to be between three and five years old, boarded a bus with a man, believed to be his parent or guardian, on June 5 in St. Kilda. Approximately 15 minutes later, as they were attempting to exit the bus, the doors began to close before the toddler was clear, trapping his legs.
The CCTV footage shows the bus driving away with the child's legs caught in the closing doors. The man is seen desperately holding onto the child as he is dragged. Passengers inside the bus alerted the driver to the unfolding emergency, prompting the bus to stop.
Safe Transport Victoria has issued an appeal for the man, witnesses, or anyone who may have assisted the pair to come forward. The pair boarded a southbound route 246 bus at approximately 4:55 p.m. at the Swan Street and Punt Road bus stop in Richmond, identified by stop ID 52558. They disembarked at approximately 5:10 p.m. at the Waterloo Crescent/Barkly Street bus stop in St. Kilda, stop ID 1110.
Bus operator Kinetic stated that the incident was distressing and that they have reinforced safety protocols with all drivers. This event follows a similar incident in March where a 12-year-old schoolboy was trapped and dragged by bus doors for approximately 350 meters before the driver noticed. That incident occurred in the city's southeast, and the boy was freed when the bus stopped at the next designated stop.
Tony Morton, spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association, commented that the incident highlights the need for stronger structural safeguards within the transport network, suggesting a lapse in basic safety measures. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Safe Transport Victoria at 1800 638 802.