Person dies after 'tragic' train incident in Te Awamutu
A person has died following a fatal incident involving a heritage steam train at the Te Awamutu railway station in New Zealand. Authorities and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are currently investigating the circumstances of the event.
Why it matters
The incident highlights safety concerns regarding heritage rail operations and has prompted a formal investigation into the accident.
A person has died in what police are describing as a "tragic incident" involving a train in Te Awamutu.
Emergency services rushed to the Waikato railway station around 6.20pm on Sunday.
"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."
A passenger, who RNZ agreed not to name, said it was a tragic end to the day.
She was one of hundreds on board the steam train, which was travelling from Glenbrook, east of Pukekohe, to National Park and back.
"We weren't told what happened, but looking at the trauma of the bystanders... the trauma of staff, something I'll never forget."
She said she heard people yelling "stop" as the train left the station before it came to a halt.
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