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Train Derailment Near Porirua Causes Delays
Train Derailment Near Porirua Causes Delays
A landslip has caused a train crash near Porirua Wellington causing delays to scheduled passenger rail services in the region.
Tranz Metro has issued an explanation for the delays stating that rail services are “not operating on the Johnsonville line... due to a slip”, and due to a derailment services along the Paraparaumu line will be operating but only from Wellington to Porirua sections. Buses will operate from Porirua north.
A train, heading from Wellington to Paraparaumu, hit a landslip north of Plimmerton at 2:38pm. The train was carrying around 40 passengers at the time of the crash. Then at around 3:15pm a south-bound train carrying 14 passengers collided with the derailed north-bound train.
Some passengers had to remain inside the derailed trains' carriages for over an hour before being transferred to other modes of transport. Ambulance officers had been on the scene from shortly after the accidents assessing passengers for injuries.
KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn said: “Because this incident occurred on the electrified rail network, we have held passengers on board until they can be safely escorted off with the assistance of emergency services.”
Radio New Zealand has reported: "Five people suffered minor injuries and have been taken to Wellington Hospital." Newstalk ZB has reported that two passengers have "suspected spinal injuries" and have been taken to hospital. 3News reports: "The two passengers are believed to have sustained spinal injuries but are the only reported injuries at this stage according to a Wellington Ambulance spokesperson."
ENDS
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