Coroner: Train crossing death not suicide

The death of a 72-year-old man, who died after being hit by a train in Lower Hutt in 2008, was an accident and not suicide, a Wellington coroner has ruled.

Douglas Rycroft died on May 16, 2008 after he was hit by the commuter train at a railway crossing area at Brees Street, in the suburb of Epuni.

Wellington Regional Coroner Ian Smith concluded that Mr Rycroft's death was an accident, possibly caused by his heart disease.

Mr Rycroft's had been in good spirits before his death and his behaviour suggested he had not committed suicide, Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith, while not blaming the train's driver, recommended staff be given training on assessing when they should sound a horn or apply emergency brakes.

Rail crossings should also be regularly inspected to ensure maximum visibility for the driver and to ensure there was proper fencing.

- NZPA