Woman killed by Auckland train

File photo / Greg Bowker

A female pedestrian was killed after being hit by a train near New Lynn in West Auckland this afternoon.

The woman, described by police on the scene as "middle aged", was believed to have been struck by a West-bound train after walking onto the track just after 4pm.

Undertakers were called to the scene at the corner of Clark and Portage Road to remove the woman's body, which was stuck on the coupling unit at the front of the locomotive.

The woman was found dead when St Johns arrived shortly after the accident.

The police said Serious Crash Unit was investigating, and said last night that circumstances of the accident are still unknown.

Local resident George Rawlinson said he believed this was the third accident involving pedestrians being hit by trains in the area, and felt more warning signs should be put up.

"We see people walking on the tracks, and sometimes even when trains pass them. It's dangerous, and it is sad and tragic when something like this happens," Mr Rawlinson said.

New Lynn MP David Cunliffe also visited the scene shortly after the accident, but was told by police that enquiries are still being made to identify the dead woman.

Meanwhile, trains to West Auckland were disrupted for most of the evening, and buses were used to transport passengers between Avondale and New Lynn stations.

Part of Portage Road was also closed to traffic, as the train was partially blocking the street.