A young female has died after being hit by a train in the Waikato town of Matamata this afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3.15pm at the intersection of College St and Firth St, near Matamata College.
The Herald understands it involved a student from Matamata College.
The school had cancelled events it had planned for this evening.
In an update shortly after 7pm, police said despite receiving medical attention, the young girl died at the scene.
“Police extend our condolences to her family, who are being supported.”
The intersection has since reopened after it was blocked while emergency services assessed the scene.
Police said it would be continuing to make inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
“As part of these, we would ask anyone who saw what happened this afternoon to please get in touch with police if you have not already done so.”
WorkSafe has also been advised of the incident.
Meanwhile, local school Firth Primary took to social media this evening saying a number of its students may have witnessed the incident and could possibly know the student.
“We are working to have support in place for family, students, staff and the wider community. Please reach out if your child needs support,” the post read.
It said the school’s thoughts were with the family of the Matamata College student.
Motorists and residents in the area were earlier asked to avoid the intersection while emergency services worked at the scene.
Hato Hone St John said it was notified of an incident on Firth St, Matamata at 3.17pm, sending an ambulance, two helicopters, one rapid response vehicle and an operations manager attended.
They referred all other inquiries to police.
A reporter at the scene said a freight train is stopped on the tracks, while barrier arms are down and lights flashing at the Farmers Rd railway crossing.
KiwiRail’s executive general manager of operations, Paul Ashton, said a northbound freight train was involved in a collision with a person on the Kinleith Branch Line in Matamata at about 3.15pm.
The collision did not happen at a level crossing, KiwiRail says.
“Police are on the scene and any further information should come from them,” said Ashton.
