Truck driver killed on level crossing

A truck driver was killed in a collision with a freight train at a level crossing in Woodville yesterday.

Police said it appeared the truck had been driven across a level crossing on a small side road leading to the main highway when it was hit and pushed off the tracks into a nearby paddock.

The sole male occupant of the truck was confirmed dead at the scene.

The truck, which was carrying wood, and the southbound freight train collided at a crossing on Powdrell Rd, off State Highway 2, just before 5pm, acting Inspector Bruce Mackay said.

The train driver suffered no injures.

"I'd imagine he's pretty distraught though."

The train was not believed to have been moved from its tracks but it would need to be checked before it continued.

Mr Mackay said the crash was sufficiently away from the highway to avoid causing any traffic delays.

The age of the truck driver was unknown, he said.

The death came just as KiwiRail and the Chris Cairns Foundation, which promotes rail safety, had issued a warning to motorists and pedestrians to be careful at level crossings over the summer period.

More freight trains are routed through Wairarapa during the holiday period to allow for work on the main trunk line. APNZ