Engineers inspect the train between Box HIll and Khandallah.
Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
Several people have been injured when a train derailed on the Johnsonville line, between Box Hill and Khandallah stations in Wellington.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand, ambulance crews and police were called to the scene, closer to Khandallah, about 7.20pm Saturday evening.
Wellington Free Ambulance sent six vehicles to treat eight patients, ranging in condition from minor to serious.
Wellington Free Ambulance says some have moderate or minor injuries.
Photo: RNZ: Mark Stevens
“We have a big contingent of KiwiRail staff, Transdev staff and Rotem staff on site,” said Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter. “The train was just south of the Khandallah station, I wouldn’t want to speculate.”
Three fire applicanes were dispatched and all passengers were removed from the train. Police initially confirmed the train had derailed with injuries.
The derailment is believed to be between between Box Hill and Khandallah station.
Photo: RNZ: Mark Stevens
“We’ve seen them all getting carted to the ambulance on the stretchers and that,” said local resident Jo Hosie, who had friends on the train.
Fire and Emergency has told RNZ that all the passengers are now off the train.
Photo: RNZ/Mark Stevens
Others nearby reported hearing “a crash” and sounds like “thunder”.
In wet and misty condition, the extent of the derailment and the number of people involved were not immediately clear.
More to come
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