UPDATE 11.54am: The collision between a freight train and what is believed to be a quad bike delayed some freight services this morning.

The incident where one person died after a quad bike and train collided between Apata Station Road and Whakamarama closed the lines causing delays to trains in and out of Port of Tauranga.

A KiwiRail spokesperson says the freight train was travelling from Tauranga towards Hamilton at the time of the incident.

"The line was closed from the time of the incident (8.15pm) to 11pm.

"The closure enabled emergency services to tend to the scene and allowed KiwiRail to carry out line inspections.

"There were delays to some freight services following the incident, but services have since returned to schedule.

"The train driver was stood down and will be offered counselling as is normal procedure."

EARLIER:

Police are continuing to investigate the incident where one person died after a quad bike and train collided in Western Bay of Plenty.

A police spokesperson says they can confirm that three people were involved in the collision between Apata Station Road and Whakamarama at 8.30pm last night.

One person died at the scene and two escaped with minor injuries.

A SunLive caller says after the collision the freight train stopped on the tracks at the intersection of Turntable Hill Rd and Apata Station Rd and the farm vehicle had fallen down a bank nearby.

Got information, or at the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz