Teen dies after being hit by train

Police have described the death of a 15-year-old boy who was hit by a train in Waikato as a tragedy.

The Matamata College student had been with two friends shortly before he was struck by the train in Matamata about 3pm on Wednesday, police say.

"Initial indications are at that the trio have been near the tracks which run parallel to Firth St near Matamata College, in an area where trees border both sides of the railway line," Sergeant Graham McGurk said.

"It appears the victim came out of the trees and into the path of the southbound locomotive without warning, leaving the train driver with no chance of avoiding hitting the boy."

Sgt McGurk said the priority now was to offer support to the train's crew and Matamata College students.

"At this stage all we can confirm is the tragic nature of what has occurred, preliminary inquiries are underway and the boy's death has been reported to the coroner."