The Sydney Underground is closing and hundreds of passengers are stranded

Hundreds of subway passengers sit in pitch blackness without air conditioning after their train – which runs on an automated system and has no driver – shut down.

Commuters were stuck for more than an hour on Monday morning as they approached Norwest Station in north-west Sydney.

Lights in the carriages were turned off, forcing passengers to sit in total darkness and causing panic attacks in some.

Hundreds of subway passengers sit in pitch-black conditions without air conditioning after their train shut down

Lights in the carriages were turned off, forcing passengers to sit in complete darkness and leading some to panic attacks

The air conditioning was also switched off on a warm day as the temperature in Sydney was expected to reach 30C.

“Our subway has no power and no airflow, you have some people getting really anxious and having trouble breathing, maybe time to call 000?” wrote one passenger.

“I’ve been locked inside @Sydneymetro for the last 50 minutes and now they’ve turned off the lights. Great job,” wrote a second on Twitter.

Another person added: “We’ve been stuck on the train in Northwest for over an hour. Lights off and no air conditioning.

“Could we please have a clear message as to when we might be coming out?”

The Sydney Metro said on its Twitter page that commuters should expect delays.

“The subway is currently experiencing increased wait times this morning,” she wrote.

“Please pay attention to station announcements and message boards for the latest information. We apologize for any inconvenience.’

The announcement has sparked a backlash from frustrated passengers.

‘Closed all weekend for maintenance – and that’s happening right on Monday!’ one wrote.

“An ETA would be good. We can decide whether we want to wait or find another means of transport. Is that a 15 minute delay of 30 or more?’ a second wrote.

The Sydney Metro said on its Twitter page that commuters should expect delays