Tranz Metro service involved in Melling station incident

KiwiRail says that a thorough investigation is being undertaken to find the cause of an incident involving a Tranz Metro Wellington to Melling train this morning.

Chief Executive, Peter Reidy, says safety is KiwiRail’s top priority and the company’s first concern is always passenger and staff welfare when such an incident occurs.

“An investigation has been launched to determine exactly what happened.”

“There are more than 11 million journeys made on Tranz Metro each year throughout Greater Wellington and KiwiRail’s mission to make sure each journey is a safe one.

Mr Reidy confirmed 10 passengers and two train crew were on board, and two passengers were treated in hospital. KiwiRail has been in contact with them and both have been discharged from hospital.

“Six passengers left the site immediately after the accident, and we ask those passengers and anyone on the platform at the time of the incident, to call KiwiRail on 027 706 9006 so we can check their welfare.”

Mr Reidy said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the accident but we reassure our customers that safety is paramount at all times.

“The investigations would look at the full range of possible causes for the incident.

“All Matangi and Ganz Mavag trains are regularly checked as part of our maintenance programme. We conduct regular safety briefings for our staff and have ongoing staff monitoring and training in place.”

All services on the Melling line are suspended until further notice and bus replacements between Melling and Petone are being provided.

Passengers are advised to the Tranz Metro website for more information and updates – www.tranzmetro.co.nz

ENDS

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