Train service across central Israel faced major disruptions Sunday morning after a man fell from a bridge onto the tracks south of Tel Aviv HaHagana station and was struck by a passing train, Israel Railways and emergency officials said. About two hours later, police authorized the full resumption of train service, which began returning to normal gradually.
The incident occurred shortly before 8 a.m., during one of the busiest commuting hours of the week. The Magen David Adom rescue service said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tel Aviv Savidor Central station after trains canceled
Rail officials initially reported that an individual had entered the track area “in violation of instructions,” later clarifying that he had fallen from a bridge.
Train traffic between Tel Aviv HaHagana and the Lod/Ben Gurion Airport stations was temporarily suspended, leading to widespread delays and service changes affecting central Israel as well as lines to the country’s north and south. About an hour and a half after the incident, partial service resumed on one of the two tracks.
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Passengers being let off trains and walking along the tracks to board a replacement train on an adjacent line
At Tel Aviv’s Savidor Central station, hundreds of passengers waited for replacement buses to Jerusalem, with some reporting long delays and growing crowding. Video from the area of Moshav Ganot showed passengers being let off trains and walking along the tracks to board a replacement train on an adjacent line.
Israel Railways said its teams were assisting police at the scene to reopen the tracks and obtain approval to fully restore service. “Railway crews are assisting and directing passengers at the stations, and shuttles have been ordered to the Savidor and Ben Gurion Airport stations,” the company said.