KEY POINTS:
A 48-year-old man was killed last night when his car was hit by a train at a controlled compulsory stop in the Wairarapa.
The Wellington father of three died when his car was hit by a northbound commuter train at Matarawa, near Carterton, about 7.30pm.
He was killed instantly, Sergeant Carolyn Watson of Masterton police said. Nobody else was in the car.
The train driver was shaken by the collision but none of the 60 passengers on board were hurt. Victim Support offered initial help to neighbours who attended the crash.
The man would be named when next-of-kin had been informed.
His death came one day after 2006 was announced as marking a 40-year low in level crossing collisions.
There were only 15 recorded collisions between trains and road vehicles during 2006, 20 fewer than the 35 recorded in 2005. The figure was also 20 fewer than the 10-year average.
There are 1400 public road level crossings on the OnTrack network as well as more than 70 public pedestrian crossings.
There are also more than 1000 private crossings. About half of the public crossings have active alarms installed.
- NZPA
