Man dead after being hit by freight train in Whanganui

The man was hit by a train on Western Line near Whanganui on Wednesday. Photo / Google Maps

A man has died after being struck by a freight train near Western Line, Brunswick, northwest of Whanganui.

The incident occurred around 2.15pm on Wednesday.

Emergency services attended and the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene, police said.

KiwiRail executive general manager operations Siva Sivapakkiam said the service was travelling from Whareroa to Palmerston North at the time.

"Incidents like this are upsetting for all those involved and in line with our standard practice, the driver has been offered support from KiwiRail, including counselling," she said.

"Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends."