Train driver given time off after collision

File photo / NZPA

The driver of a coal train which collided with a car east of Westport yesterday, leaving a woman with life-threatening injuries, has been given time off work.

The 57-year-old woman was the sole occupant of her car when the vehicle and the train collided near Inangahua east of Westport yesterday about 1.30pm yesterday.

She was classified as status one having suffered "severely life threatening injuries" to her head.

The fully laden coal train, which weighed over 2000 tonnes and was about 470m long, was on its way to Lyttelton at the time of the collision.

The crossing was protected by stop signs but did not have barriers or flashing lights.

KiwiRail spokeswoman Jenni Austin said the driver of the train was now off work.

"That's never a pleasant experience for any of our staff to be involved in something like that. It is a stressful situation."

Drivers were usually relieved of their duties for three days and given further time off if needed. They were also offered counselling, she said.

"It's always a terrible experience for [drivers] because a train as big and heavy as that one would've taken 1km to bring it to a stop. There's just nothing our guys can do."

Hearing if the victim was doing well would "always help" drivers trying to recover from the shock, she said.

Canterbury DHB media advisor Amy Milne said the family of the woman had requested completed privacy so her condition could not be reported.