Two people have died - one on the West Coast - after being hit by trains in separate accidents this morning.
In the first incident, a driver died after their car hit a power pole and was then struck by a train, police said.
It happened at the intersection of Maimai Rd and State Highway 7 at Mawheraiti shortly before 3am.
The driver, who was the only person in the car, was found dead at the scene.
Police said at this stage, it appeared the driver crashed into a power pole, causing their car to end up on the train tracks, where it had then been hit by a train.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Meanwhile, one person died after a being struck by a train in central Hamilton.
Senior Sergeant David Raffan said the incident occurred in a rail tunnel on Ward St.
Police were called about 4.30am. St John ambulance sent two vehicles, but the person died.
“Support is being provided to the driver of the train and the deceased’s next of kin are being notified,” Snr Sgt Raffan said.
