One dead after collision with train in Rolleston

Police were called to the scene at about 6:30pm. File photo

A middle-aged man died after being hit by a train near Christchurch this evening.

Canterbury Police was called to the incident in Rolleston about 6.30pm.

The man had been struck by a train heading towards Christchurch, and did not survive the impact of the train.

A Police spokesman said it looked as though a person was lying on the tracks, near the Curraghs Road crossing, when the train approached.

A scene examination is presently being conducted and a police enquiry as to the cause of the collision is underway.

The name of the deceased will be released once police enquiries are complete and the next of kin has been advised.