Police managing traffic after an oncoming train stopped in central Hastings on Monday to try to avoid a woman who had tripped and fallen on the track. Photo / NZME

Woman trips and falls onto rail tracks, train makes emergency stop

Author: Rafaella Melo,
Publish Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2026, 3:15pm

A woman who tripped and fell on railway tracks in central Hastings had to be helped off as an oncoming train applied its emergency brake.

The scare played out at the Eastbourne St level crossing late on Monday morning, halting the train and slowing traffic in the area. No injuries were reported.

A KiwiRail spokesperson said the woman fell about 11.50am, before there was any notification of the train.

“While they were on the ground, the level crossing bells and barrier arms activated due to an approaching train,” the spokesperson said.

“Our train driver applied their emergency brake, but a member of the public helped the person off the crossing while the train was still approaching.”

Police said traffic diversions were put in place about 12.10pm and lifted within an hour.