Train and car collide in Hamilton; three people dead, two seriously injured

Three people are dead after a car collided with a freight train in Hamilton in the early hours of this morning.

Police said two other occupants have been taken to Waikato Hospital where they remain in a serious condition after the incident on Peachgrove Rd at about 4.30am.

Three hearses arrived at the scene where blue tarpaulins covered bodies.

The police serious crash unit has completed a scene examination and officers said they would now be focusing on establishing the full circumstances of what occurred.

“We will be speaking with the surviving occupants of the vehicle and those who witnessed the crash,” a police statement said.

Emergency services attend the scene of a fatal crash involving a vehicle and train at Peachgrove Rd railway crossing in Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott

EGM Freight and Rolling Stock Operations spokesman Paul Ashton said a vehicle collided with a freight service travelling to Hamilton from Mount Maunganui at the Peachgrove Rd level crossing.

“The level crossing is protected with lights, bells and barrier arms, which were all working,” Ashton said.

Police are focusing on establishing the full circumstances of what led to the tragic accident. Photo / Mike Scott

“In line with our standard practice, our driver will be given leave, and all of our staff involved will be offered support from KiwiRail, including counselling. The track is expected to remain closed for now.

“Any further comment should come from the police.”

A nearby resident said he was in bed when the crash happened.

”I woke up when I heard a loud bang and the squealing of the brakes going on.”

His first thought was that the train had hit something.

The man said he got up and walked to the back of his property to see what had happened.

”I saw people and flashing lights but not much more than that.”

Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander, said incidents of this nature are hard for everyone involved.

“I would like to acknowledge the actions by members of the public and emergency services who responded and managed what was a difficult scene,” she said.

“We will ensure there is support in place for those involved, their families and our staff who attended.

“Police extend our sympathies to the families of those who have lost a loved one in this tragic incident.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said three fire engines and a heavy rescue tender were sent to the scene.

Hato Hone St John said it sent four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager.

“We transported two patients to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.”

St John referred all other questions to police.

Police enforce a road closure in the aftermath of the fatal collision at Hamilton's Peachgrove Rd railway crossing. Photo / Mike Scott

Hamilton City Council earlier said police had advised that traffic was being diverted from the Five Cross Roads and Ruakura Rd/Te Aroha St.

“Please avoid the area and expect delays on the roads this morning.”

A reporter at the scene said police had let through a couple of cars needing access to the Woolworths by the train tracks.

Peachgrove Rd has since reopened and trains are back on track.

At the train crossing, there are two signs warning pedestrians and motorists that the barrier arms are not working.

Peachgrove Rd is a common route for commuters and the morning school run.

Another resident of the area said she was usually woken by the train passing through each morning.

”Today we didn’t hear it. That was strange.”

National rail safety charity TrackSafe said the accident was devastating and a reminder to everyone of the risks at railway level crossings.

Foundation manager Megan Drayton said while collisions at railway crossings were relatively rare, the consequences were often catastrophic.

“This collision is an example of that, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all affected, the friends and whānau of the victims, and the rail staff and emergency services involved,” she said.

“Incidents like these leave lasting trauma.”

Drayton urged the public to always take extreme care when approaching railway-level crossings.

“Always slow down and be prepared to stop. If the bells and lights are operating, then motorists should always stop. If there are signs at a crossing, then always look both ways and let any train pass before crossing the tracks,” she said.

“Trains cannot swerve or stop suddenly if the driver sees someone on the tracks in front of them.”

New Zealand has about 1300 public level crossings, with around 20% having barrier arms and 35% only flashing lights and bells. The remaining crossings are protected by stop or give way signs.