Police have confirmed a person has died after being struck by a train at a pedestrian crossing in Invercargill this afternoon.
A police spokesman said the person died following an incident involving a train and a pedestrian near Turnbull Thomson Park.
"Police responded to the scene around 5:20pm, where a person was located deceased," he said.
A scene examination had been conducted and police and KiwiRail were working to clear the scene.
"Police are working to identify the person involved and enquiries into the circumstances of the incident remain ongoing."
"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.
Police initially reported the incident occurred at the Elles Rd level crossing.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman earlier 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 returned to the station not long after.
A crew from Winton was also called to the scene but was stood down before it arrived.
An Otago Daily Times reporter at the scene this afternoon said the train had stopped and was blocking Elles Rd.
Only police remained at the scene and had established a cordon, preventing members of the public getting closer, she said.
Police inquiries are ongoing.
It is the second time in a week a pedestrian has been killed by a train in New Zealand.
Last Wednesday, 13-year-old Sarie Morton died after being struck by a train near Matamata College.
Her death was being investigated by police.
