Man killed by Takanini train named

The train driver tried to warn the man at the Walters Rd crossing by blasting his horn. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police have released the name of a man killed by a train in the south Auckland suburb of Takanini yesterday.

He was 32-year-old Alex Tipene.

Police said Mr Tipene died instantly when he was struck by a passenger train at the level crossing on Walters Rd about midday.

He had parked his car nearby and crossed the tracks about 20m north of Walters Rd to speak with friends.

``As he went to cross back to his car, he walked backwards back towards the tracks,'' a police statement said.

The train driver saw him about 300m away and attempted to alert him by blasting his horn. But he continued to walk backwards and stepped into the path of the train.

The train had five passenger carriages and came to a stop as soon as possible, police said.

Witnesses had confirmed the bells and level crossing 20m away were working.

Mr Tipene's family had been notified.