A truck driver is dead following a collision between his truck and a passenger train in Waikato today, KiwiRail has confirmed.
The collision occurred near Rangiriri just after 9.30am.
A KiwiRail spokeswoman confirmed the truck's driver had died as a result of the collision.
The collision involved the Northern Explorer passenger service train travelling south from Auckland.
"It hit a truck at a level crossing at approximately 9.45am. The truck driver we understand is deceased."
The truck was hauling heavy machinery, the spokeswoman said.
It was unknown if there were any other passengers on board the truck, the spokeswoman said.
"All passengers are all right and the train driver is all right. The train was not damaged.
"We're just figuring out whether we bus passengers the rest for the rest journey or not."
There were 108 passengers on board the train at the time of the collision.
An investigation into the collision would commence later today, she said.
A Fire Service spokeswoman said the truck was "demolished".
Road workers were blocking access to Austen Street, which leads on to Te Onetea Rd.
At least eight police cars were seen heading to the scene from Hamilton and at least two fire trucks were on the way.
Emergency services from across northern Waikato were at the scene, police said.
Waikato district shift manager Senior Sergeant Gael Mockford said because the crash occurred a short distance from SH1 and the Waikato Expressway, traffic flows were not believed to be impacted, but drivers were asked to be aware that there may be minor delays.
WorkSafe New Zealand had been advised.
"Buses are being organised to move passengers from the scene," Ms Mockford said.
