VIDEO: Auckland Transport is appealing for witnesses after a car fled from a level crossing in Henderson after colliding with a passenger train last week.
Footage released by Auckland Transport (AT) shows two cars driving around the barriers at the level crossing. The train collides with the rear passenger side of the second car.
According to AT both cars fled the scene of the incident, which was the level crossing on Bruce McLaren Road in Henderson, in Auckland’s west.
The front of the train was damaged, with AT pointing out the cost of repairs will be borne by ratepayers.
“This was a foolish and dangerous decision and it’s incredibly lucky that no one was killed,” AT group manager metro service delivery Stacey Van Der Putten said.
“The lights were flashing and the barriers were down; these drivers made the conscious and idiotic decision to ignore them, putting themselves, the other drivers nearby and the people on the train in danger.”
TrackSAFE New Zealand manager Megan Drayton also condemned the behaviour.
“This reckless behaviour endangers the people in the car and the people in the train,” Drayton said.
“Incidents like this can have a devastating effect on the driver of the train.”
Henderson Police are encouraging witnesses to come forward to aid them in their search for the responsible parties.