Pedestrian struck and killed by train in Bay of Plenty

A person has died after being struck by a train north of Otamarakau in the early hours of Monday morning.

KiwiRail chief operating officer Todd Moyle said a freight train was travelling to Mount Maunganui from Kawerau when a person was struck around 12.30am.

"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," Moyle said.

"In line with our standard practice, our driver has been given leave, and all of our staff involved are being offered support, including counselling, from KiwiRail."

A police spokesman said they were called to State Highway 2, Pukehina in the Western Bay of Plenty about 12.57am.

A person has been hit by a train and has died, he said.

Police staff are making inquiries into this incident.