Car occupants have lucky escape after train hits

The occupants of a car had a narrow escape when it was struck by a freight train in Marton yesterday.

The car was significantly damaged, but the 16-year-old girl behind the wheel was able to drive it away.

Police described their escape without injury as "very lucky".

A Marton police spokesman told NZPA this morning the girl drove the Mitsubishi station wagon along Russell Street, and turned left into Pukepapa Road rail crossing in front of an oncoming goods train yesterday afternoon.

The crossing does not have a barrier arm.

"Her vehicle got three-quarters of the way across the crossing before the train collided with the rear end of the car. It was extensively damaged," he said.

"The car continued driving and was taken to an address in Mill Street by the 16-year-old. She was located a short time later. There were no injuries to her and another female passenger in the vehicle at the time."

Police are considering charges against the driver.

- NZPA