Police are urging parents to ensure students who witnessed a fatal train incident in Auckland yesterday are getting appropriate support, as an investigation into the teenage boy's death continues.
Emergency services were called to Baldwin Ave railway station after a train struck a pedestrian at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
A male pedestrian died at the scene — confirmed today as a Mount Albert Grammar school student.
"Our thoughts are with the family of the student and we continue to actively support them," headmaster Patrick Drumm said in a letter sent to families.
In an update this evening, Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said many students were leaving school at the time and appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident but had not yet spoken to officers to come forward.
"For parents, please ensure you’re in contact with your school and ensure appropriate welfare support is made available for your children," she said.
Whittaker said police were investigating the death on behalf of the coroner and were not yet able to release further information about the boy.
“This is a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with his family today who are coming to terms with what has happened. I know the community will have them in their thoughts as well,” she added.
Police extended sympathies to the Mount Albert Grammar community, saying a school community officer was providing support.
Drumm said the school had been focused on supporting staff and students affected by the death.
"Our guidance team and pastoral staff are working closely with students and will continue to do so in the time ahead," he said.
"We are grateful for the huge amount of support we are receiving from the wider educational community and beyond."
Police had spoken with a number of high school students that were on the platform at the time of the incident.
A cordon was in place following the incident, but was lifted at 9.30pm on Wednesday.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to make a report online, or call 105.
Officers and other emergency responders could be seen at Baldwin Avenue. (Source: 1News)
Yesterday, a student who was aboard the train told 1News he felt a bump just before reaching the station, jolting him and other passengers forward in their seats.
Passengers were asked to stay put and remained on the train for what felt like 40 minutes before they were able to leave.
Mt Albert Grammar School staff were also seen at the scene.
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