Council worker escapes serious injury after car hit by train

Emergency Services were at the scene after the driver of an Auckland City Council vehicle received minor injuries when his car collided with a train. Photo / SNPA/Hayden Woodward

An Auckland Council worker has escaped serious injury after his car was struck by a freight train in West Auckland this morning.

The car, part of the council's fleet, was hit by the train at the rail crossing at Matua Rd and State Highway 16 just before 11am.

The car was seriously damaged, but police said the driver received only minor injuries and was taken to North Shore Hospital. Police were still at the scene early this afternoon.

A KiwiRail spokeswoman said the track had been cleared but the service between Helensville and Whangarei was cancelled.

A subsequent service had been delayed.

The crossing was protected by stop signs, she said.

Auckland Council people and capability director Christine Etherington said the council was working with emergency services to find out what happened, and were supporting the staff member involved.