Police believe they know the identity of a pedestrian who died when he was hit by a train in Auckland this morning.
The victim is thought to be a 59-year-old man but it is unconfirmed.
The man is believed to have been walking north along the train tracks towards the Papatoetoe Railway Station when he was struck by the freight train at 6.40am.
Northern Communications shift commander Inspector Tony Wakelin said it had been a traumatic experience for the train driver and victim support services had been arranged.
"There will be considerable delays to morning commuters as it will take some time to clear the scene," he said.
Auckland Transport said the southern line was closed between Otahuhu and Homai.
Passengers needed to take alternative transport and scheduled bus services were accepting all rail tickets.
A rail shuttle was operating north to Homai and south to Otahuhu.
There were also disruptions to eastern line services but the western line and Onehunga line were operating as normal.