School bus tragedy: investigation launched into fatal accident near Palmerston North

An investigation has been launched into the accident this morning between a bus and a train that killed a person.

A high school student remains in the hospital in stable condition following the accident on Railway Rd in Bunnythorpe. The bus driver was fatally injured in the incident.

Feilding High School students were among the 41 passengers on board the bus, en route to the local school as it passed a level crossing shortly before 8 a.m.

The Transportation Accident Investigation Commission says it has opened an investigation into the causes and circumstances of the accident.

Naveen Kozhuppakalam, the acting chief accident investigator, said two investigators were on the scene this afternoon.

“The Research team has an expert knowledge of train operations, engineering and maintenance,” he said.

“His initial work will include inspecting the locomotive and bus, mapping the site, examining the rail systems like signals, examining the vehicle components, looking for any recorded data from the vehicle electronics and obtaining maintenance records.

“They will also interview the train conductor, the rest of the staff and any witnesses to the accident.”

The level crossing was reportedly protected with flashing lights and bells, Kozhuppakalam said.

“TAIC is asking any witnesses, especially anyone who captured the accident on their vehicle’s dash cam, to contact TAIC as soon as possible,” he said.

St John’s ambulance said a total of 40 patients had been evaluated after the accident, some at the scene and others at the hospital.

Police described the accident as “extremely distressing” for everyone involved, particularly the young people on the bus, their families, and the relatives and friends of the dead driver.

“Continued support will be provided,” police said.

The bus company the victim worked for, Uzabus, said in a statement: “All of us here at Uzabus are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our colleagues who was involved in the accident this morning.

“Our team has been on site helping passengers and the police [and] We are grateful that the passengers on board at that time did not sustain any major injuries.

“The company is now working with the police in their investigation to determine the events that led to the accident. Our thoughts and support are with all the passengers and families related to today’s tragedy.”

Railroad safety charitable trust TrackSAFE NZ said it was saddened to learn of the accident.

“Our thoughts go out to all those affected, including whānau and friends of the deceased, passengers, emergency services, the locomotive driver and other rail personnel at the scene,” said Foundation manager Megan Drayton.

The accident was “an absolutely tragic reminder of how serious the result can be when a heavy vehicle collides with a train,” he said.

Drayton said there are around 3,000 level crossings in New Zealand and trains always take priority.

“We strongly urge all motorists and pedestrians to be very vigilant when crossing train tracks, always look both ways for trains along the tracks before crossing, and obey all signals and signals at crossings.” .

Witnesses to the accident have been asked to email the Transport Accident Investigation Commission at [email protected]