A tragic reminder of the dangers of trains, with the death of a 13-year-old high school student in Waikato's Matamata

Sarie Morton was hit near the intersection of College Street and Firth Street, near Matamata College, after school on Wednesday.

Police and WorkSafe are making inquiries into the incident, which didn't occur at a level crossing.

TrackSafe New Zealand Foundation Manager Megan Drayton says the railway, which runs through the middle of town, is incredibly dangerous.

She says it can be tempting to take short cuts, but it's important to use crossings where there are signs and signals.