One dead after being hit by train in Takanini

One person has died after being hit by a train in the south Auckland suburb of Takanini.

Police said the person was struck "in the vicinity" of the Walters Road rail crossing.

The pedestrian was struck by a Southbound train.

Walters Road is blocked to all pedestrian and vehicles and all train traffic in the area has also been halted.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to their destination.

Contractors are in the process of placing cordons and advisory boards to assist motorists.

Alex Burgess, who was on the train, tweeted at 8pm that the vehicle was moving again.

Earlier, he said: "My train came to a screeching halt at Tironui. Emergency services on the way. I think we hit someone."

He added later: "The man is dead, according to the officer on board.

"Feeling for the driver."

Auckland Transport said replacement bus shuttle services had been arranged between the suburbs of Homai and Papakura.

The agency tweeted that there were delays and cancellations so asked passengers to make alternative arrangements for transport.

Auckland Transport tweeted: "We send our condolences to the family & friends of the person involved in this tragedy."

Police have confirmed incident is a fatality. We send our condolences to the family & friends of the person involved in this tragedy. ^PP

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) August 6, 2015