Police describe Matamata train death as a tragedy

Matamata Police are working with railway officials and a local secondary school to ensure a train crew and students get all the support they need following a pedestrian fatality on railway lines in the town this afternoon.

Sergeant Graham McGurk of the Matamata Police said the incident was still under investigation but it appeared a 15-year-old Matamata College student had been with two friends shortly before 3pm when tragedy struck.

"Initial indications are at that the trio have been near the tracks which run parallel to Firth St near Matamata College in an area where trees border both sides of the railway line.

"It appears the victim came out of the trees and into the path of the southbound locomotive without warning, leaving the train driver with no chance of avoiding hitting the boy."

Mr McGurk said the priority now was ensuring the locomotive crew and school students had the appropriate support needed to help them through this ordeal.

"At this stage all we can confirm is the tragic nature of what has occurred, preliminary enquiries are currently underway and the boy's death has been reported to the Coroner.

"This crash happened in an area between two level crossings and highlights the dangers people put them selves in when walking on or near railway lines. We would urge all pedestrians to cross railway lines at level crossings and controlled intersections where they are available."