Eight people have been injured after a train derailed on Wellington’s Johnsonville Line this evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene just north of Khandallah Station just after 7pm on Saturday.
Fire and Emergency NZ crews attended from Johnsonville and Porirua stations.
“All passengers were removed from the train with FENZ’s assistance,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
Wellington Free Ambulance said it responded with six units.
“Eight have been transported to Wellington City Hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious,” a spokesperson said.
Police said cordons had been in place at Box Hill and Station Rd, but that they had been lifted at around 9pm.
“Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area.”
Metlink senior operations manager Paul Tawharu said the cause of the derailment was unknown and that an investigation was underway.
“My immediate thoughts are for the safety and well-being of the passengers and Metlink staff on board,” he said in a statement to 1News.
“I’d also like to thank the emergency responders for their fast and excellent response.”
Trains on the Johnsonville line would be replaced by bus until further notice and passengers should expect delays.
Train ‘crumpled’ after derailment – witness
A resident near the scene told 1News they heard a loud bang at 7.05pm that shook their house. Looking out from their balcony, they could see the train crumpled and at a standstill.
“When I heard shouting and what sounded like someone in pain, I called emergency services,” they said.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said their father was among the first people on the scene.
Wellington City councillor Diane Calvert said she “heard a huge short boom” with emergency services present later.
Metlink said services were halted “until further notice” and that buses were being sourced as a replacement.
“We are working on sourcing buses at this stage. Updates to follow,” the alert said.
Metlink have been contacted for comment.
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