A person died on Sunday evening after being struck by a Glenbrook Vintage Railway steam train at Te Awamutu station. The heritage rail operator expressed deep shock as police, WorkSafe, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission launched inquiries into the tragedy.
Tragedy Strikes Te Awamutu Station on Sunday Evening
What was meant to be a scenic excursion turned into tragedy on Sunday evening when a Glenbrook Vintage Railway steam train struck a person at approximately 6:20 p.m. at the Te Awamutu railway station.
Hundreds of people, including many families with children, were reportedly on the vintage train at the time of the incident. A passenger aboard GVR’s Spiral Steam Spectacular
told the Herald she heard people yelling “stop” seconds after the train left the station. The words “Stop stop stop” then came across the staff radio in her carriage and the train stopped moments later.
“We weren’t told what happened but looking at the trauma of the bystanders, the trauma of staff … something I’ll never forget,”
Unnamed passenger, via NZ Herald
Senior Sergeant John McCarthy noted the severity of the event, stating that this is a tragic incident, and we are providing support to whānau and those who acted immediately to try to help.
Following a blessing and with assistance from KiwiRail, the empty train was returned to Auckland this morning.
Heritage Railway Responds and Coordinates Support
Glenbrook Vintage Railway Charitable Trust board chairperson Glenn Deed released a statement addressing the fatality, emphasizing that the group was shocked and devastated
by the death. Deed stated, “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the whānau and friends of the person who died.”
“On behalf of everyone at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, I want to thank the community and the wider heritage rail sector for their ongoing care and support.”
Glenn Deed, Chairperson of Glenbrook Vintage Railway Charitable Trust
Deed added that the railway trust was cooperating fully
with police and the relevant agencies as they investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident. He noted that support was being provided to staff and volunteers present at the time, and they remain in contact with passengers who were onboard the train. Operators also expressed gratitude to the emergency services that responded, to their people who cared for passengers while alternative transport was arranged, and to passengers for their patience and support in extremely difficult circumstances.
Officials urged anyone affected by the incident to seek help. Passengers and local community members who were present at Te Awamutu railway station are encouraged to reach out to Victim Support on 0800 842 846 if they need it.
Wider Heritage Rail Community Feels the Impact
The effects of the tragedy reached far beyond the Auckland region. The South Island’s Mainland Rail service was also cancelled yesterday to give crew members time to process the tragedy.
Steam Incorporated, which runs that service, said the heritage sector was a small and tight-knit community where everyone knows each other and last night’s tragic accident will be widely felt
. The decision was made to give our crew the time and space they need to process what happened and support one another
, it said.
Regulatory Agencies Launch Multiple Inquiries
Police and WorkSafe are both investigating, while the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has also launched an inquiry. The commission said it would be looking for safety lessons rather than trying to assign blame or liability. Deed said that while those investigations are under way, they are unable to comment further.
Meanwhile, the rail safety regulator, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, was notified about the incident on Sunday evening. An NZTA spokesperson said, Police is investigating, and NZTA is gathering information about the incident to determine if a separate investigation will be undertaken by NZTA as the rail safety regulator.