Victim's iPod may have obscured noise of train

A man who was run down by a goods train may have been distracted by his iPod, say police.

The 30-year-old from Tauranga was killed when the train hit him just outside Te Puke on Monday night.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Saunders of Tauranga said the man did not appear to hear or see the train coming because he stepped across the railway line as it approached.

Mr Saunders said the man was wearing an iPod and a cap, which could have hindered his awareness.

He was believed to have been walking next to the tracks before the train neared, and was not close to a traffic or pedestrian crossing.

The accident occurred at 8.30pm, in a rural area west of Te Puke township.

An ambulance officer said the man died at the scene.

The train was travelling between Kawerau and Tauranga, carrying 55 trucks. Its driver pulled the emergency brake, but could not stop the train in time to prevent the man from being seriously injured. Police said the driver was devastated.

People living near the railway track told the Herald they knew little of the man's death until they were alerted to it the next morning.

One woman said she heard a "heavy, dull sound" and the train stopping soon after.

The death has been referred to a coroner.