Matamata crash: Car and light railway vehicle involved

Police advised Matamata motorists to avoid the intersection of Firth St and Tainui St after a collision at the railway crossing. Image / Google Maps

A car and a rail maintenance vehicle collided at a crossing in Matamata this morning.

A KiwiRail spokesperson said the maintenance vehicle was struck by a car at the level crossing at Tainui St.

“There are no injuries, but the maintenance vehicle has derailed as a result of the impact,” KiwiRail said.

“The line is closed pending clearance from KiwiRail and the police. The level crossing does have lights and barrier arms and an investigation is under way.”

In a statement, police said the crash happened at the intersection of Firth St and Tainui St just before 8.50am.

Traffic control was in place at the site but police advised drivers to avoid the intersection.

Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted to the incident at 8.48am. They found the car damaged but no one trapped.

One ambulance was sent to the scene but was not required and the road has since been cleared.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.