A car has collided with a freight train at a level crossing early this morning on Peachgrove Rd in Hamilton, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.
Emergency services responded around 4:30 am, with three hearses arriving as blue tarpaulins covered bodies at the scene.
The crash occurred despite functioning lights, bells, and barrier arms at the crossing, according to EGM Freight spokesman Paul Ashton.
Two injured individuals were transported to Waikato Hospital in critical condition.
The road remains closed with traffic diversions in place, impacting local commuters and the morning school run.
