Ashburton Guardian, Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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Wednesday, Mar 27, 2019

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Cows killed by freight train

Finland calling P17

BY JAIME PITT-MACKAY JAIME.P@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ

P13

A large number of cows were killed after being struck by a train near Rangitata yesterday morning. A KiwiRail freight train travelling north struck a herd of 50 cows on the railway lines just before the Rangitata south railway bridge at 4am. “A herd of around 50 cows wandering in the rail corridor was struck by a freight train between Rangitata and Hinds around 4am this morning,” KiwiRail South Island general manager operations Jeanine Benson said. “Unfortunately a large number have died as a result.

“This is an upsetting incident for all those involved, including the farmer who was attempting to round up the escaped cows when they were struck.” KiwiRail staff were inspecting the bridge and train for any damage with the line re-opening once they were complete. “It is also a timely reminder of the need to keep stock out of the rail corridor to prevent incidents like this happening,” she said. Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Ford said he was not aware of the incident, but that it was always tough for all parties involved when an incident like this occurs.

“It is pretty distressing for all parties, the train driver and the farmer so my sympathies go out to them,” he said. Ford said he knows from having his own block of land that is next to railway lines just how easy it can be for cows to get on to, but that it is important for farmers to make sure their stock is not on the tracks. Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president Mike Salvesen also said he was not aware of the incident, but that he would expect Federated Farmers’ members to rally around affected farmers after incidents like this. Police were notified of the incident but were not needed.

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