UPDATED: 5:25pm A car and freight train have collided on State Highway 1 near Invercargill. The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
The crash happened at about 1.20pm Friday near the intersection of East Road and Mill Road South. The vehicle was struck by a southbound freight train at a level crossing protected with flashing lights and bells, according to a KiwiRail spokesperson.
Acting Area Commander Inspector Stu Harvey confirmed the death in a statement Friday afternoon. "Police can confirm one person has died following a crash involving a car and a train near Invercargill today," he said. "The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene."
Emergency services were called immediately. Fire and Emergency NZ crews responded from Invercargill and Kingswell, and St John sent two ambulances and an operations manager to the scene.
Closures remain in place on Mill Road South between Otaramika Road and SH1, and on SH1 between Racecourse Road and Mill Road North. Access is available for residents within the cordon. Southbound drivers are being detoured via Mill Road North, Findlay Road, and Racecourse Road. Northbound travellers follow the same route in reverse.
KiwiRail and St John both referred further inquiries to police. "Emergency services are on site and any further comment should come from the police," the KiwiRail spokesperson said.
Inspector Harvey said an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. Police have thanked motorists for their patience during the closures.