Te Awamutu train fatality: Victim was a young person, council says
The victim of a fatal train accident last weekend was a young person, it has been revealed.
Police confirmed that a person died on Sunday after “an incident involving a train” at Te Awamutu railway station about 6.20pm.
Today, the Waipā District Council announced it was holding a community gathering to mark the tragedy.
“Following the tragic and untimely passing of a young person at Te Awamutu train stop last Sunday, our community will come together to support their whānau, friends and loved ones at a day-time vigil this weekend.”
The event will be held at Anchor Park on Alexandra St on Sunday at 11.30am.
“Everyone is welcome to attend and take a moment to remember, reflect and stand together.
“For everyone’s safety, please remain in the designated public area and stay away from railway tracks and railway property. Please follow the directions of event organisers and officials,” the council said.
A passenger who was on the train told the Herald they heard bystanders yell “stop, stop” seconds before it came to a halt at Te Awamutu station.
The woman described the incident as “something she’ll never forget”.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has opened an inquiry into the fatality.
TAIC said the reported circumstances were that the historic Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR) train struck a person.
Chief investigator of accidents Louise Cook said an investigation team was gathering evidence, including examining the train and scene and speaking to witnesses.
“Our investigators will focus initially on establishing what happened and identifying any evidence that could assist the inquiry,” Cook said.
The inquiry would seek to identify safety lessons rather than assign blame or establish liability, the commission said.
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