Train clips ute on railway crossing
Attempting to race across a railway crossing to beat an oncoming train turned out to be an expensive mistake for a Taranaki driver.
The rear-end of the Holden Colorado ute was clipped by the northbound train, spinning the vehicle around, after the driver failed to give way at the level crossing on Humphries St, Inglewood, about 10am yesterday.
The back of the ute received significant damage in the collision while the train’s engine suffered minor damage.
Lights and bells at the crossing were working at the time, KiwiRail staff at the scene said.
Senior Constable Grant Kennard said the driver of the ute had been travelling south behind a truck on State Highway 3A before making a right turn on to Humphries St.
‘‘He said he hadn’t seen the train coming but still hasn’t stopped to check if there was anything coming,’’ Kennard said.
‘‘The train was right on him and has clipped the rear of his ute and spun him around.’’
The driver had told police he had started to cross the track before he saw the train and then put his foot down to avoid being t-boned, he said.
‘‘The message is always to stop and check at any rail crossing whether the bells and lights are going or not.
‘‘Trains can’t deviate from the track.’’
Kennard said the driver would receive a ticket for failing to stop at a crossing.