Johnsonville train services suspended after Khandallah incident

Multiple people have been injured after a train derailment on Wellington’s Johnsonville line near Cashmere Ave in Khandallah this evening.

Many local residents have reported on social media hearing a loud “boom” noise in the area this evening.

The Herald understands there has been a derailment.

A Metlink alert said services were suspended “until further notice due to an operational incident”.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency NZ said they were alerted to an incident involving a train near Khandallah at 7.10pm. Three appliances responded.

They say there have been injuries, but referred further enquiries to Wellington Free Ambulance.

All passengers made it off the train, with no need for extrications, the spokesperson said.

Wellington Free Ambulance said that, as of 8pm, six units were at the scene.

Six patients have been transported to Wellington City Hospital. They say four were taken in a minor condition and two in a serious condition.

Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert was at home when she heard “a huge boom”.

“I wasn’t sure what on earth what it was,” said Calvert.

“It was like an earthquake but there was no shaking.”

She said the incident happened just after 7pm and understood a train had derailed.

She said the region was experiencing some heavy rain, but not more than what had been occurring over the past few days.

An AFP journalist at the scene said they saw the mangled train buckled over as workers surveyed the extent of the damage.

Metlink’s Senior Manager Operations, Paul Tawharu, said the cause of the incident is “unknown at this stage and an investigation is underway”.

“My immediate thoughts are for the safety and well-being of the passengers and Metlink staff on board,” Tawharu said.

“I’d also like to thank the emergency responders for their fast and excellent response.”

Trains on the Johnsonville line will be replaced by buses until further notice, Metlink says, and passengers should expect delays.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) also say they are investigating.

“It is understood that the train derailed between Khandallah and Box Hill stations, resulting in significant damage to the train and injuries to people on board,” TAIC said in a statement this evening.

“The Chief Investigator of Accidents, Louise Cook, has appointed an investigation team of two, and who will be on site as soon as practicable tonight.”

Police said earlier cordons “following a rail incident” in Khandallah have now been lifted.