Person killed by freight train near Christchurch

A person is dead after being hit by a freight train south of Christchurch, this morning.

The person was on the tracks in Rolleston when hit about 8.15am, a police southern communications spokesman said.

Emergency services were at the scene.

The TranzAlpine passenger train was unable to leave Christchurch for Greymouth this morning and KiwiRail was arranging buses for the 380 passengers on board, spokeswoman Ruth Larsen said.

It was not known how long the track would be closed.

The freight train's driver was "pretty shaken up", Ms Larsen said.

- NZPA