Train driver receiving support after teens crash stolen car into locomotive

Photo: Bruce McGeorge

A train driver is receiving support after teens smashed a stolen car into a locomotive.

A police spokesman said it was one of two stolen vehicles that was seen by police on Blenheim Road about 4am.

Both fled before officers could signal the vehicles to stop.

A pursuit was not initiated the spokesman said.

A short time later, police were alerted to a collision on Lincoln Road in Addington, involving one of the vehicles and a train.

 Police are now speaking with a person of interest and enquiries are continuing to locate the second vehicle.

Lincoln Road is closed between Moorhouse Avenue and Harman Stree.

The Serious Crash Unit is at the scene and people are asked to avoid the area.

Photo: Bruce McGeorge

A KiwiRail spokesman said “ at around 3.30am this morning a car traveled through the Lincoln Road level crossing and collided with a shunt (smaller locomotive) service travelling from Lyttelton to Middleton.

“Our driver is uninjured and is receiving support, which is standard in any collision. The level crossing has barrier arms.

We understand the car driver fled the scene.

The car has been taken away by tow truck.

The collision also damaged the train signals at the crossing.”