A train on the Wairarapa commuter line came to a halt yesterday to avoid hitting young people playing on the tracks.
A train on the Wairarapa commuter line came to a halt yesterday to avoid hitting young people playing on the tracks.
KiwiRail is reminding people of the dangers of railway corridors after a train was forced to hit the brakes to avoid young people on the tracks in Wairarapa yesterday.
Two individuals were seen playing on the tracks at the Bell Street level crossing in Featherston around 6.30pm last night asa commuter train was approaching, a KiwiRail spokesperson said.
The Masterton-bound train managed to stop “well clear of the individuals” and Kiwirail reported the incident to police.
The close call has prompted a reminder about railway safety, with KiwiRail saying it is “highly dangerous to enter the rail corridor”.
A post in the Wairarapa Commuters Facebook page said the train driver was “a hero” for managing to stop, saying the situation could have led to “our community having devastating consequences and news waking up this morning”.
Locals were outraged over the incident, sending support to the driver and urging parents to better control their children.
The Bell Street level crossing in Featherston. Photo / Google Maps
“Oh how terrifying for the poor train driver,” one commenter said.
“Where are the parents?” another wrote.
Not-for-profit group TrackSAFE says trespassing is the leading cause of railway deaths in New Zealand, with more than 100 people dying on tracks, tunnels and bridges in the past decade.
