Two people in a car involved in a collision with a train in Te Puke today were lucky to escape with only minor injuries.
The freight train was heading towards Kawerau when it collided with the car at a level crossing between Te Maunga and Te Puke, a KiwiRail spokeswoman said.
"Following standard procedure, the locomotive engineer has been relieved of their duties."
The incident on Collins Lane, off the Te Puke Highway, happened just before 4pm and emergency services attended the scene shortly after.