Police investigating Ashburton sudden death #2

Police investigating the sudden death of a woman on railway lines at Tinwald, south of Ashburton, advise that reports of a vehicle colliding with a train just prior to the incident are incorrect.

Rural Canterbury Area Commander, Inspector Dave Gaskin, said Police were currently carrying out a forensic examination of the scene and were working on identification and notification of next of kin. “We are not at this stage seeking anyone else in connection to this tragic incident.”

Mr Gaskin said Police believed the victim had been involved in an earlier incident in Ashburton.  When approached by Police, she fled in her vehicle and refused to stop. A brief pursuit followed, but was abandoned when it was considered unsafe to continue.

Mr Gaskin said the incident on the railway tracks appeared to have happened approximately 15 minutes after the pursuit had been abandoned, but inquiries were continuing.

The incident has been referred to the IPCA and the Coroner, who will carry out their own inquiries.