Gurney charged over train crash

Steve Gurney said at the time of his crash in Canterbury he expected he could be charged. Photo / supplied

Nine -time Coast to Coast winner Steve Gurney has been charged by police after crashing into a train at a level crossing.

The multi-sport legend has been charged with careless use of a motor vehicle.

Gurney was interviewed by police after he miraculously walked away with only minor injuries when his top-of-the-range Subaru Outback 4WD smashed into an early-morning passenger train at a railway crossing near Rangiora on September 20.

The train driver and passengers escaped uninjured.

Today 48-year-old Gurney spoke of his "disappointment'' that he's been charged.

The adventurer said: "I'm up in Auckland at the moment, but I got a call from my sister last night saying I had received a letter from the police saying I had been charged.

"I am disappointed that charges have been laid but it was kind of expected I suppose. I made a mistake and I will take a hit for it.

"There are some witnesses, including the train driver, and I'm waiting to hear what their accounts are.

"I don't have a date yet but I will go to court and face whatever charges are appropriate.''

Police said there was a possibility that Gurney could be offered diversion.

He refused to comment further on the charges.

Gurney has maintained his innocence ever since the incident, claiming the crash was a "blur.''

There were no warning bells, lights or barrier at the crossing. But there is a stop sign and warning saying: "Look for trains".

He has received criticism for his reaction after the event, especially from former New Zealand cricketer Lance Cairns who has accused Gurney of "trivialising'' it.

Cairns, whose daughter Louise was killed in 1993 when a concrete truck hit the Southerner train at Rolleston, says Gurney should take responsibility for the crash.

By Kurt Bayer

- APNZ