Passengers evacuate to safety after Coastal Pacific collides with vehicle

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Passengers on the Coastal Pacific train are experiencing an extended journey home following a collision between the train and a vehicle

A KiwiRail spokesperson said at approximately 2.45pm a car collided with the train at a level crossing, just south of Blenheim, as it was on its way from Picton to Christchurch.

A police spokesman said the crash happened on Cob Cottage Road.

An audio recording from inside the passenger cabin following the crash was sent to Chris Lynch Media.

A staff member (with a calm voice) can be heard over the intercom asking passengers to move to the rear two carriages.

“There is no rush, please one by one, don’t panic.”

Another staff member then reassures passengers.

“There are no serious injuries down on the ground, which is very good. Emergency services have attended. Just someone with a sore head, so rest-assured no one is seriously injured.

"Just as a precaution, we have moved everyone out of the front two carriages.”

The passenger told Chris Lynch Media “the staff were very good.”

The KiwiRail spokesperson confirmed there were no reported injuries on board the train.

“Our passengers continued their journey to Christchurch by bus the spokesman said. 

Two people received minor injuries the police spokesman said.