Today at 12pm Counties Manukau Police were called to an incident that occurred on the train tracks near the level crossing at Walters Rd, Takanini.
A man, 32 year old South Auckland resident, has been hit by a passenger train and was killed instantly.
Police enquiries have established that he had parked his car and crossed the tracks about 20m north of Walters Road to speak with friends. As he went to cross back to his car, he walked backwards back towards the tracks.
The train driver has seen the man about 300m away and attempted to alert him to the oncoming train by blasting his horn. The man continued to walk backwards and stepped into the path of the train. The train had five passenger carriages and came to a stop as soon as possible.
Witnesses have confirmed that the bells at the level crossing 20m away were working.
The man's name will not be released until his family has been notified.
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
0274 342 218