Cyclist dragged by train ignored signals

A woman was dragged along the train tracks after ignoring warning lights and sirens in central Auckland this morning.

Police say the woman walked out on to the track pushing her bicycle, which was clipped by a passing train at a level crossing at Rossgrove Terrace, near St Lukes Rd. The bike became entangled in the train, dragging her along with it.

The woman, in her late 30s or early 40s, was taken to Auckland City Hospital with a broken ankle and other superficial injuries after the 7.50am accident.

Police said she was lucky she wasn't more seriously hurt.

 "The details are pretty sketchy still at this stage - the train driver has got to be interviewed by his own people - but it appears that she's just ignored all the warning bells and the whistles and the train horn and the such like and moved the bike far enough out so that the edge of the train caught the front wheel and pulled her up the tracks a little bit," the police spokesman said.

"Fortunately enough the train driver saw it and he slammed on the brakes and did all the right things. She's just really lucky."

Rossgrove Terrace crosses the rail line immediately after the Baldwin Ave station.

Police communications spokesman Ben Offner said trains were delayed while a replacement driver was found, which was normal procedure following accidents.

A spokeswoman for train operator Veolia said the track was temporarily closed while police investigated.

A single track was opened around 8.30am, but passengers were warned to expect delays until 11am.

Extra buses were being used to support the trains until then.

The driver would be offered counselling and any other support needed.