Person dies after 'tragic' train incident in Te Awamutu

A person has died in what police are describing as a "tragic incident" involving a train in Te Awamutu.Emergency services rushed to the Waikato railway station around 6.20pm on Sunday."Sadly, one person died at the scene," Senior Sergeant John McCarthy said. "This is a tragic incident, and we are providing support to whānau and those who acted immediately to try to help."A passenger, who RNZ agreed not to name, said it was a tragic end to a really great day."We weren't told what happened, but looking at the trauma of the bystanders... the trauma of staff, something I'll never forget."She said she heard people yelling "stop" as the train left the station before it came to a halt."It was seconds only."The staff were extraordinary, she said, keeping passengers hydrated and informed as much as possible."All while dealing with the unthinkable. They and the firemen were exemplary."She was just one of hundreds on board the train, which was travelling from Glenbrook, east of Pukekohe, to National Park and back.Another passenger said a lot of people were "extremely shocked" and believed the emergency stop was pulled."The passengers in the rear carriages were asked to go to the forward ones and then buses were arranged to take us to Hamilton and Glenbrook."A nearby resident told RNZ the station was full at the time. She said she went to see a steam train arrive, but returned home because her son "got freaked out at the noise"."So, I wasn't down there when the incident happened, thank god, but the station was full of families and kids watching... so sad."A spokesperson for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission said it was notified of the accident on Sunday."We are gathering information to inform a decision as to whether to investigate."In a statement, McCarthy urged anyone who witnessed what happened to make contact with police.The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination and enquiries were ongoing.Anyone with information could make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105, using reference number P067689720.