Two die in train collision near Woodville
Two people have died after a car and a freight train collided yesterday.
Another person received moderate injuries in the incident, which happened on Troup Rd near Woodville about 4.50pm.
One person was reported to be in a moderate condition after being transported to hospital.
Troup Rd remained closed and motorists were being asked to avoid the area if possible.
A nearby resident said he heard the crash but initially had no idea a train was involved.
‘‘I thought it was a car crash on the main road but I looked out the window and couldn't see anything, so I went back to work.
‘‘I didn't even know there was a train there . . . normally you'd hear the train but I didn't even hear it.
‘‘I don't think it's a very big train . . . it seemed quite short to me, only a few carriages,’’ he said.
KiwiRail chief operations officer Todd Moyle said a freight train, which had been heading to Palmerston North from Napier, and the car collided.
It is understood the train and car came to a rest about 100 metres past the Troup Rd crossing.
Emergency service personnel were working at the front of the train.
‘‘Sadly, it has been reported there are two fatalities, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones,’’ Moyle said.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating and the road could be closed for some time.