Man killed on train crossing was dad to young kids

The Woodville man killed when his truck collided with a train at a level crossing on Wednesday was Glen Tristan Lyons.

Mr Lyons, a firewood supplier, died at the scene just before 5pm when his truck, laden with wood, was struck by a southbound milk train at the Powdrell Rd/State Highway 2 crossing.

He was the father of primary school-age children and lived in Broomfield Rd, Woodville.

His widow, Lorrin Angelini, was yesterday scheduled to fly to New South Wales, Australia, to be with her parents.

The crash which killed Mr Lyons happened when the truck drove across a level crossing on a small side road leading to the highway, according to police.

The force of the impact pushed the vehicle off the tracks and into a nearby paddock.

The milk train, hauling 12 full tankers, stopped about 1km down the track.

KiwiRail spokeswoman Sarah Pomeroy said the shocked driver was immediately stood down. "It's very traumatic and the driver has been offered support and counselling for as long as he requires it," she said.