Mathias Street and State Highway 73 were closed after the collusion, with the highway reopening by 12.30pm on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
A person has died after they were hit by a freight train at a level crossing in Darfield.
A KiwiRail spokesperson said the loaded train was travelling from Darfield to Christchurch when the collision occurred on the midland line shortly after 7am on Wednesday.
State Highway 73 was blocked after the collision and reopened at 12.30pm.
The Serious Crash Unit was conducting a scene investigation.
Diversions are in place but drivers are warned to expect delays.
Hato Hone St John sent an ambulance, operations manager and rapid response vehicle to the incident and directed further inquiries to the police.
The rail line was also closed and the TranzAlpine service from Christchurch to Greymouth has been replaced by buses.
Inquiries into what happened were ongoing, police said.