By Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
An investigation is underway after a Wellington passenger train derailed on the Johnsonville Line last night, injuring eight people and causing significant damage just metres beyond Khandallah Station.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has deployed a specialist team to the site, where a Metlink service left the tracks shortly after 7pm. Chief investigator Louise Cook said the priority now is gathering evidence while memories are fresh and environmental conditions haven’t altered the scene.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who was on board or saw the accident occur,” she said, urging witnesses to share photos or video that could help determine what went wrong.
Wellington Free Ambulance transported eight people to Wellington Hospital, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Among them was the train driver, who struck his head and was taken to hospital for assessment. Residents living nearby reported hearing a “huge boom” that shook their homes, followed by shouting and cries of pain.
KiwiRail chief metro officer David Gordon described the derailment as “gut‑wrenching”, saying the train had travelled onto a single‑track runaway section and come to rest against a concrete block designed to stop it going further. While the carriage remained upright, its wheels had lifted completely off the rails.
Gordon said it was too early to speculate on the cause. “This is dramatic… it’s just not what you want, and for the people on board, it’s been worse.” KiwiRail, Transdev and Rotem staff remained on site overnight to stabilise the area and support investigators.
Fire and Emergency crews from Johnsonville and Porirua helped evacuate all passengers safely. Police lifted cordons around 9pm.
Metlink has replaced all Johnsonville Line services with buses until further notice.
