Two vehicles colliding with trains within hours of each other on the same stretch of Bay of Plenty railway line was “extremely unusual”, KiwiRail says.

The July 24 crashes were among three separate vehicle-train collisions across New Zealand that day.

It was the first time in at least two decades that three level-crossing crashes occurred on the same day, according to TrackSAFE New Zealand.

The “unprecedented” series of crashes prompted renewed safety warnings from TrackSAFE.

The first collision was about midday at the Pongakawa School Rd level crossing on the East Coast Main Trunk line, the railway line between Hamilton, Tauranga and Kawerau.

Emergency services were called after a car collided with a southbound freight train.

Police said one person had moderate injuries.

A second collision happened shortly after at Ōtamarākau on the same railway line.

Police said they were notified at 3.40pm that a car and a train had collided earlier that afternoon near the Ōtamarākau foreshore beach access off SH2. There were no reports of injuries or road closures.

Just before 4pm, a third crash occurred at Andersons Line in Wellington, where a vehicle collided with a passenger train. Four people suffered minor injuries.

Pongakawa Station Rd level crossing and Ōtamarākau foreshore beach access off SH2, where the two crashes occurred on the same day. Photo / Google Maps

KiwiRail chief operations officer Duncan Roy said two collisions on the same railway line on the same day was “extremely unusual”.

Roy said the Pongakawa Station Rd crossing was upgraded in 2020 with flashing lights, warning bells and half-arm barriers after a 2019 crash claimed two lives.

KiwiRail understood all active warning signals were operating at the time the vehicle was struck.

Roy said the Ōtamarākau collision was on a private level crossing protected by stop signs.

“Trains legally have the right of way at all times. They can appear at any time whether they are expected or not.

“Trains travel faster than they appear to and take much longer to stop than people realise.”

He urged the public to stay off railway tracks, except at official level crossings, where they should cross carefully and follow warning signs.

TrackSAFE New Zealand foundation manager Megan Drayton said the series of crashes was “extremely concerning”.

“While we are grateful that no lives have been lost, [Friday’s] events are a powerful reminder that trains and vehicles simply do not mix.”

She said trains could not swerve to avoid a collision and could take more than a kilometre to stop, even after braking.

“Every level crossing collision is preventable. By taking a few extra moments to stop, look, listen and obey the signals, road users can help ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Drayton said motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and people using mobility devices should always obey signs and signals at railway crossings.

“Every crossing should be approached with caution, regardless of how familiar you are with the road or how often you use it. The consequences of a mistake at a level crossing can be devastating.”

Zoe Blake is a multimedia journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.