Train hits cattle in Hawke's Bay, 57 animals dead

Train hits cattle in Hawke's Bay, 57 animals dead
Photo credit: Getty

A collision between a train and a herd of cattle in Hawke's Bay has prompted a reminder for farmers to ensure all fences and boundaries are secure.

Fifty-seven cattle were killed after a train travelling between Napier and Palmerston North struck the herd on Thursday night.

KiwiRail Executive General Manager Operations Siva Sivapakkiam said the herd of cattle in the rail corridor between Poukawa and Opapa was struck by the freight train around 6pm.

"Unfortunately 47 were killed and another 10 that were injured had to be euthanised," he said.

"Incidents like this are distressing for all those involved."

He said they were also a reminder of the need to keep land well-fenced to prevent these incidents from happening.

Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay President, Jim Galloway said it was a horrific situation for the farmer.

"It's terrible for the farmer involved, not just with the deadstock but also for the ones dying," he said.

Galloway backed the reminder to farmers to check fences and gates.

"It could have serious consequences for farmers if stock get out onto roads, and there was a crash."

KiwiRail said while there was some damage to the locomotive, it was able to carry on to Palmerston North after some repairs.

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