A five-year-old boy is dead after being hit by a train in Takanini, South Auckland last night.
The boy had been fighting for his life in Auckland's Starship Hospital but died today.
Police at the northern communications centre said the boy had been with a group of friends waiting for a southbound
train to pass.
After passing he immediately stepped out onto the track but was hit by another train coming in a different direction.
The barriers were down and the lights at the crossing were working, police said.
Toll NZ spokeswoman Sue Foley said the company's thoughts were with the boy's family and their driver who had been immediately stood down for counselling.
"Things like this effect everyone from the child to his family, our driver and even the emergency service workers."
Last year Toll NZ launched a campaign about safety around railway tracks sending out packs to all schools throughout the country within 5 km of a railway track.
