Emergency services were called to Elles Rd, near Turnbull Thomson Park, about 5.20pm, where a person was found dead following an incident with a freight train.
Inspector Stu Harvey said the adult male was hit by a train at the rail pedestrian crossing on the corner of Tyne and Ness Sts.
The track and railway crossing on Elles Rd was reopened at about midnight, after a scene examination was conducted.
"Police are continuing efforts to identify the deceased, which is likely to take some time," Isnp Harvey said.
"As part of these inquiries, we are asking for any members of the public who may have seen the incident to please get in touch."
KiwiRail executive general manager operations Paul Ashton confirmed a north-bound freight train was involved in a collision with a person on the Main South Line, at the Ness St pedestrian crossing, which has a pedestrian maze and warning signs.
"The train driver has been relieved and is being offered support."
He thanked the first responders and those who provided assistance at the scene and referred any further comment to police.
The freight train was travelling from Invercargill to Dunedin carrying coal.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman confirmed crews had responded to reports of a person being hit by a train.
Two appliances from Kingswell and Invercargill responded to support other emergency services, but soon returned to the station.
A crew from Winton was also called to the scene, but was stood down before it arrived.
A witness said the train had stopped, blocking Elles Rd.
Only police had remained at the scene, establishing a cordon and preventing members of the public getting close, she said. — Additional reporting Nina Tapu
