And as commuters prepared for the Friday trip home, some trains on the Auckland network were also suspended as emergency service workers continue to clear the scene of the fatal collision.
Auckland Transport (AT) told train users to “find another way home”, including additional buses. Wet weather in Auckland has already caused some delays on main routes.
AT said about 6pm that services on the Onehunga line are likely to remain suspended for the remainder of the day.
The Route 74 bus is continuing to stop at Onehunga, Te Papapa and Penrose train stations for affected customers.
“Police can advise one person has died following a collision between a train and vehicle in Penrose,” police earlier said in a statement.
“Sadly, despite medical assistance the sole occupant of the vehicle has died at the scene.”
No injuries have been reported from those aboard the train at this stage.
Nico from the Vehicle Inspection service in Penrose told the Herald that a colleague witnessed the crash.
A person is dead after a train and vehicle collided in Penrose. Photo / Alex Burton
“It really looked serious, it definitely seemed like it could possibly be really serious for that person, the ambulance came and went really quickly.”
Sobil Joseph, a mechanical worker from Kiwis Autos, told the Herald that “the front of the car is completely under the train”.
”It’s horrific, the train pushed the car ... down the line.”
Joseph said people are currently trying to lift the train to remove the car from underneath it.
“The car is being covered with a tarpaulin, I think maybe one person was in the car.”
Emergency services at the scene after a train collided with a car in Penrose.
Local MP for Maungakiekie, Greg Fleming, said “After a series of meetings all day, I am both horrified and heartbroken to learn of the death of a person this afternoon on Maurice Rd in Penrose. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased, and also the driver of the train.”
Hato Hone St John said it responded with two rapid response units.
Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed it had three crews in attendance.
AT director of public transport and active modes, Stacey van der Putten, said just after 2pm a car “travelled through a level crossing and was hit” by a train on the Onehunga Line.
“The barriers at the Maurice Rd level crossing were down at the time and appeared to be functioning properly,” van der Putten said.
Emergency services at the scene after a train collided with a car in Penrose. Photo / Alex Burton
“The train driver immediately notified the Auckland Rail Operations Centre and emergency services responded promptly on the scene. The train driver is being supported by our rail operator, Auckland One Rail [AOR].”
She said AT and AOR would be supporting police through the investigation.
“Incidents like this are horrific for everyone involved and our thoughts go out to the people and their families impacted by this.”
AT said the Onehunga line has been suspended until further notice.
Van der Putten said AT didn’t have an estimate for when services would resume and advised Onehunga line commuters to “find other ways to travel”.
The Auckland rail network has been impacted by an "emergency services incident". Auckland Transport said the Onehunga Line is suspended until further notice and services on the Southern Line would not be stopping between Otahuhu and Britomart, and would be travelling via the Eastern Line. Photo / AT
A travel alert said Maurice Rd is closed between Station Rd and Church St.
“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services.”
MAURICE RD, PENROSE - 2:25PM Due to a serious crash, Maurice Rd, between Station Rd and Church St, is now CLOSED. Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services. ^ND pic.twitter.com/dFnucu33d0
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) April 4, 2025
Station Rd remains open but the public are warned to expect some delays in the area.
The police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash.
