Person dies after 'tragic' train incident in Te Awamutu

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.

"It was seconds only."

The staff were extraordinary, she said, keeping passengers hydrated and informed as much as possible.

"All while dealing with the unthinkable. They and the firemen were exemplary."

Another passenger said a lot of people were "extremely shocked" and believed the emergency stop was pulled.

"The passengers in the rear carriages were asked to go to the forward ones and then buses were arranged to take us to Hamilton and Glenbrook."

A nearby resident told RNZ the station was full at the time. She said she went to see a steam train arrive, but returned home because her son "got freaked out at the noise".

"So, I wasn't down there when the incident happened, thank god, but the station was full of families and kids watching... so sad."

A spokesperson for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission said it was notified of the accident on Sunday.

"We are gathering information to inform a decision as to whether to investigate."

A NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) spokesperson said it was notified on Sunday evening of the fatal incident at Te Awamutu Railway Station involving a heritage rail service.

"Police is investigating, and NZTA is gathering information about the incident to determine if a separate investigation will be undertaken by NZTA as the rail safety regulator."

The spokesperson said it had not ordered a stand-down for all heritage rail services.

A spokesperson for heritage rail service operator Steam Incorporated said its thoughts were with the whānau and friends of the person who died, and with the staff, volunteers and passengers affected.

"The decision to cancel today's Mainland Rail service, which is operated by Steam Incorporated, was made to give our crew the time and space they need to process what happened and support one another.

"The heritage sector is a small and tight-knit community where everyone knows each other and last night's tragic incident will be felt widely across the sector."

They said the cancellation applied to Monday's Mainland Rail service. Steam Incorporated had not recommended that other heritage operators cease services, and NZTA had not suspended heritage operations.

Police were urging anyone who witnessed what happened to make contact with them.

"This is a tragic incident, and we know that it will be distressing, Victim Support is available if needed," detective sergeant Harry Hodgson said.

He said police were also supporting family through the "difficult time".

Officers were also appealing to anyone who might have footage of the incident.

"We understand there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have footage that can assist in our investigation," Hodgson said.

The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination and enquiries were ongoing.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission was also investigating the fatal incident.

Chief investigator of accidents Louise Cook said it had appointed a team of investigators who were now gathering evidence.

"Our investigators will focus initially on establishing what happened and identifying any evidence that could assist the inquiry. Our first priority is to gather evidence while it is available.

"That includes examining the train and the scene, and speaking with people who witnessed the accident or were involved."

The purpose of TAIC inquiries was to improve transport safety by identifying lessons that could help the transport sector prevent similar accidents, rather than to assign blame or establish liability.

Anyone with information could make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105, using reference number P067689720.