Railway death spot claims new victim

By SCOTT INGLIS

An Auckland lawyer walking along railway tracks was trapped between two high banks as a train slammed into him yesterday.

Leon Graham Kay, aged 26, died instantly at 6.42 am when the commuter train struck him 300m south of Glen Eden railway station.

The fatality was the second at that spot and the third on the line between the New Lynn and Glen Eden stations since September 1998.

It sparked further police and Tranz Rail warnings of the dangers of walking on railway tracks.

Sergeant Sharon Stephens, of Henderson, said Mr Kay was about 50m from a corner and surrounded by bush-covered banks taller than the train when it suddenly appeared at 55 km/h.

The driver hit the emergency brakes but neither he nor Mr Kay stood a chance. The driver, who had 15 passengers on board, has been interviewed and cleared of blame.

He was stood down immediately and offered counselling.

Mr Kay is believed to have taken a shortcut from West Coast Rd on his way to work. About 20m away were the road and footpath where he could have safely walked.

Sergeant Stephens said everyone should stay off the tracks.

Tranz Rail spokeswoman Nicola McFaull agreed: "It's something we're very concerned about."

She said people should obey signals and use only proper crossings.

Last month, the Herald published a series of articles highlighting the dangers of walking on railway tracks.

Commuters spoken to at Auckland railway stations admitted walking on tracks, and others said they frequently saw it being done.

One man, 18-year-old student Brendon Pardoe, said he walked up the track at Avondale station and did not worry about his safety.

He kept an eye on the rail traffic lights, so he knew which way the trains were travelling.

Commuter Pat Hutchinson said she often saw people taking shortcuts by walking along tracks, and had seen several near-misses.

Train driver Kevin Phillips last month told the Herald of school children playing chicken in front of his train.