The family of an 11-year-old girl killed after being hit by a train in Ngāruawāhia have set up a Givealittle for the funeral costs.
Moareen Rameka died on Sunday evening, reportedly after playing with friends on a rail bridge when the train appeared from the south. She couldn't get off the bridge in time, and died at the scene near Old Taupiri Rd.
Her sister, Joanna Lines, says Moareen's death has hit her family hard.
"On the 18th March 2018 6:00pm Moareen Rameka aged 11 was struck by a train in Ngāruawāhia," she says.
"The family is in devastation as her death was such a shock to us all."
She set up a Givealittle page for her family, and over $1,500 has been donated so far.
"I've created this page on behalf of my family and baby sister to help them with anything in need. Anything will be a blessing towards this tragedy," Ms Lines says.
"Help towards the cost of the funeral, transport expenses to get her back home."
KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy said while it was too early to comment on the "specifics" of this latest incident, they are aware the Ngāruawāhia bridge is a black spot for train accidents.
"Over the last four or five years there have been a significant number of anti-trespass safety measures put in," he says.
"We've also been investing with the community to educate schoolchildren on the dangers of jumping from the bridge... we've had over 1000 schoolchildren through that."
Moareen's death has been referred to the coroner. Her friends are reportedly being spoken to and supported by the police.
Newshub.
