The young person who was killed in a train incident in Mount Maunganui is being described as “a happy, well-connected, and well-loved” member of their school.
Mount Maunganui Intermediate principal Melissa Nelson says the student attended the school, and was a “delightful young person”.
“The school is devastated after we have lost one of our students.”
Melissa says the Ministry of Education trauma support team is at the school working to guide and support students and teachers as they navigate the loss.
“We are wrapping our arms around our students and staff to support them in the grief they are feeling.
“Our hearts and love are with the whanau of the student who has passed away.”
Without identifying the student, Melissa says the student was a “happy, well-connected, and well-loved member of her class and wider school”.
When asked if the area should have been made safer for pedestrians, Melissa says it is a discussion for the future and “not one to wade into right at the moment”.
KiwiRail and Tauranga City Council have been approached for comment.
A police spokesperson says emergency services responded to the incident on Hewletts Road around 2.55pm.
A section of Hewletts Road, near MacDonald Street and Maunganui Road, was closed for several hours to allow the serious crash investigation unit to examine the scene.
The road was re-opened around 8.15pm.
Police are investigating the incident and say the "death will be referred to the coroner".
"Police are appealing for witnesses to yesterday’s incident in which a young person died after being struck by a train at a level crossing on Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui," says a police spokesperson.
"If you witnessed the incident, or saw a young person riding a bicycle in the area immediately prior to the incident at 2.50pm, please call 105 or make a report online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.
"Please reference file number 230731/0283."
1 comment
I have great sympathy for the family and the school
Posted on 01-08-2023 22:21 | By The Caveman
However once upon a time 60 - years ago (when I was at school) we were taught - BEFORE crossing the road - STOP and look both ways - TWICE !
And as for the TRAINS that ran down the waterfront in Tauranga - look both ways TWICE and NEVER cross the tracks if you could see a train on the tracks !! AND I can remember the great big old KA class steam trains - that would flatten a penny if you put it on the track and train ran over it!!
The simple "safety" lesion at school 60 years ago was DON'T cross the road if the car has not stopped AND NEVER cross the railway line if a train is coming !! Seems that today these real life lessons are NOT taught to young KIDS!
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