Protester charged after car derails commute to Melbourne Cup

Protesters blocking train tracks and dangling banners from a crane have caused commuter chaos at the Melbourne Cup.

A building site near Flemington Racecourse was the first target today, with a “SOS: Evacuate Manus Now” being dangled from a crane.

Soon after, a protester parked their car on the tracks near Ascot Vale, bringing services to a halt about 1.30pm.

The bonnet of the car appeared to be emblazoned with a message also protesting the treatment of refugees at the now-shuttered Manus Island detention centre.

Some racegoers were forced to jump from trains, as Metro Trains and emergency services worked to remove the obstructing car.

Officers arrested the car’s 27-year-old female driver, a Polish national, at the scene. She has since been charged with a number of offences, including conduct endangering serious injury.

Despite the inconvenience to punters, the protestors were unapologetic.

“It’s nothing compared to the fact there are people on Manus Island who have no food, water and are fearing for their lives,” protest spokeswoman Miranda Gibson told 9NEWS.

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Train services are now running as normal, with extra services added to the timetable.

It comes just days after there was chaos for racegoers trying to get back into the city after Derby Day.

Witnesses told of commuters passing out and vomiting after a faulty train and trespasser on the tracks caused major delays.  

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