A 24-year-old part polynesian Porirua woman is critically ill in Wellington Hospital after she was struck by a northbound train near Porirua Railway Station about 4.55am today.
Detective Sergeant Shane Rongonui, Porirua CIB, said the woman, whose name has not yet been released, was crouching on the side of the track, 300 - 500 metres north of the station.
The train driver saw the woman, who was dressed in dark clothing, sounded his air horn several times and braked but was unable to stop. The woman was struck by the train and dragged about five metres along the track.
Ambulance and police attended the scene, and the woman, who has critical injuries, is at Wellington Hospital.
The train driver, an assistant driver and two passengers on board the unit were shaken but unhurt. They are receiving welfare support.
There was no immediate identification on the woman but a handbag with some personal details was found by police in a scene examination.
"We believe we know who the woman is, and have spoken with her family who are now receiving help from Victim Support," Detective Sergeant Rongonui said.
"We don't know why she was near the track, particularly in an area which is not easily accessible."
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