Wheelchair-bound train victim's family praise rescuers

The injured jogger who helped rescue the wheelchair-bound woman is taken to hospital. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The family of a young wheelchair-bound woman who was struck by a train in Auckland last week have praised those who put themselves in danger to save her life.

The woman remains in Auckland City Hospital after being hit by a freight train on the crossing in Morningside on Monday. Three people rushed to help when her electric wheelchair became stuck, but she was hit and dragged along the ground.

In a statement, her family, who did not wish to be identified, praised everyone who helped.

"We would ... like to acknowledge the courage of those who rushed to her aid last Monday, and put themselves in danger, to save her life. We have been in contact with two of them already, but none of us wish to discuss this publicly.''

The family also recognised the support they had received since the accident.

"We would like to publicly acknowledge the outpouring of support and love from everyone who knows our daughter and our family, it has buoyed us up when things were touch and go, early on.''

The woman was in a "cautiously stable'' condition, having come through surgery to plate and stabilise broken bones in her arm and leg.

"Although we take nothing for granted, we are optimistic that she will continue to improve,'' the statement said.

"We thank everybody for their support, and would now like to continue with her recovery, in private.''

The railway crossing which nearly claimed the woman's life had been identified by authorities as a top priority for removal.

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have come under heavy criticism for not doing more to make the crossing safer sooner.