Passenger on board train at Te Awamutu says carriage halted seconds after bystanders yell ‘stop, stop’
A fatal incident occurred at the Te Awamutu railway station involving a vintage train, prompting an investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission. Authorities are currently gathering evidence and providing support to witnesses and the victim's family.
Why it matters
The incident has led to a nationwide suspension of heritage train services while safety protocols are reviewed.
Te Awamutu railway station. Photo / Dean Taylor
A passenger on board a train at Te Awamutu station, where a person died yesterday, has described hearing bystanders yell “stop, stop” seconds before the train came to a halt.
The woman described the incident as “something she’ll never forget”.
Police confirmed late last night that a person died after “an incident involving a train” at Te Awamutu railway station about 6.20pm.
“Sadly, one person died at the scene,” Senior Sergeant John McCarthy said.
“This is a tragic incident, and we are providing support to whānau and those who acted immediately to try to help.”
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has opened an inquiry into the fatal incident.
TAIC said the reported circumstances were that the Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR) train struck a person.
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