Police say Featherston man struck train

The uncontrolled railway crossing at Western Lake Rd where a driver struck a train. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

A Featherston man has received minor injuries after allegedly driving into a train at an uncontrolled railway crossing on Monday morning.

Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton said police believed the 32-year-old man had deliberately driven into a freight train on Western Lake Rd at about 4.10am, shortly after police were called to attend a domestic incident involving the same man.

The man had received a cut to his head and a grazed arm after his car clipped the side of the train, but he did not need to be taken to hospital, Mr Sutton said.

"It was not an accident -- we are pretty certain he has driven into the train."

A spokesman from KiwiRail said the train driver had been unaware of the collision as the vehicle had struck a wagon further down the train.

Police were notified after the man's car was later found abandoned by track staff working in the area.

The freight train was stopped and checked in Carterton and the 5.45am service from Masterton was delayed by 12 minutes, the spokesman said.

The 32-year-old driver has been charged with drink-driving, driving while suspended, careless driving and male assaults female.

He appeared in court on Monday.