Investigators studying fatal rail accident

Experts today started an investigation into yesterday morning's fatal crash between a train and a car which left a Southland couple dead.

They were named late last night as Graham Noel Lilley, 44, and his partner Cushla Ann O'Byrne-Roberts, 43.

The couple, in a Toyota Hilux ute, were driving over a rail crossing at the end of their driveway 3km east of Woodlands, Invercargill, when the train hit the vehicle at 11.10am.

Sergeant Mark Lucas, of Invercargill, said it was understood the couple died instantly.

Mr Lucas said the train driver, who notified police of the crash, was visibly shaken by the accident.

Large trees and shrubs frame the house's border adjacent to the railway line, but police yesterday were unable to speculate on what might have caused the accident.

Forensic tests and autopsies needed to be carried out before police made any further statements regarding the accident, Mr Lucase said.

The local community was shocked to hear of the fatality, with neighbours saying the couple were well liked and respected.

The road was closed for hours while police inspected the crash site.

Toll New Zealand corporate affairs general manager Sue Foley said the train driver was stood down and offered counselling as standard procedure.

Yesterday's accident was the third in five days involving trains in the South Island, she said.

The company, train drivers and emergency service crews that attended serious accidents all had a common plea for people to be alert near crossings, she said.

Ms Foley was unable to comment on the accident in detail because it was now being investigated by police.

Toll New Zealand launched a series of safety campaigns to educate the public about train crossings this year.

One campaign was aimed at intermediate students and in the past two weeks a provincial safety campaign was also started.

"Trains, despite their large size, can be quite quiet and it is crucial that people take extra care near crossings," Ms Foley said.

- NZPA