Waikanae woman killed in level crossing collision

A 31-year-old Waikanae woman was killed when her car and the Tranz Scenic train collided at a rail crossing at Te Horo, north of Wellington today.

The woman, whose name had not been released, was the sole occupant of the car and died at the scene, Otaki police acting Sergeant Brian Yanko said.

The accident happened at the School Rd crossing near State Highway 1 about 9.50am.

Police were still investigating the crash and wanted to speak to anyone who saw the accident, Mr Yanko said in a statement.

Tranz Scenic managing director Don Gibson said the woman's death was very sad.

"It's a tragedy and the staff get affected by these incidents," Mr Gibson told NZPA. "It's a sad thing for us all."

The train driver would receive counselling and a new locomotive and driver had taken over the trip after a 2-1/2 hour delay.

The locomotive involved in the accident was being towed back to Wellington for repair.

About 30 passengers were on board when the accident happened.

Mr Gibson said the train had been travelling at normal speed and there appeared to be nothing irregular from Tranz Scenic's perspective.

Tranz Rail spokeswoman Sue Foley said the accident had happened at a level crossing where warning bells and lights were working.

It was the second incident this week in which vehicles were hit by trains on a level crossing.

Two children are still in critical condition after the kohanga reo van they were in was clipped by a train on a level crossing in Wanganui on Wednesday.

The van was carrying nine preschoolers when it was clipped by the train, sending it into one of the crossing's warning signals.

Police are considering whether the van's driver will be charged.

- NZPA