Investigation begins into fatal smash

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has begun an investigation into a fatal collision between a truck and train near Marton.

The crash occurred on Saunders Rd off State Highway 1 about 3.30pm on Thursday.

Fire and Emergency NZ said the truck caught fire after the collision.

Shortly after 7pm, Thursday, police confirmed that one person in the truck had died.

Firefighters were called again at 9.40pm to douse the vehicle, which was still smouldering, when a tow truck tried to remove it.

In a statement, the commission’s chief investigator of accidents Harald Hendel said an investigation team had travelled to the scene on Thursday night.

“Their initial evidence gathering work will include interviewing witnesses and inspecting and measuring the rail and rolling stock.”

The inquiry was confirmed alongside a separate Serious Crash Unit investigation, also looking at the circumstances of the crash.

Kiwirail said in a statement its thoughts were with those affected by the tragedy.

“Incidents like this are extremely upsetting for all those involved, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died,” group chief operating officer Todd Moyle said.

“In line with our standard practice our driver has been given leave, and all of our staff involved are being offered support from Kiwirail.”

Moyle said the train involved in the collision was travelling from Tauranga to Palmerston North, with the affected line closed for four-and-a-half hours on Thursday.

“The incident is being investigated, and any further comment from us is inappropriate at this stage,” he said.