11 Jan 2021

Track repair may take a week after KiwiRail freight train derailment near Invercargill

4:53 pm on 11 January 2021

A large freight train has derailed in Wright's Bush, just outside of Invercargill.

Train derailment near Wright's Bush, Southland, 11 January 2021.

The train derailment near Wright's Bush, Southland, 11 January 2021. Photo: Supplied / Whatsonsouthland.nz

A spokesperson for KiwiRail said the train derailed at about 8.30am this morning between Thornbury and Makarewa on its journey to Nightcaps.

No-one was injured, nor was any property damaged, but eight empty wagons toppled over, the spokesperson said.

There was some limited damaged to the track and rolling stock.

KiwiRail said an investigation into what caused the incident was underway and it will take about a week to retrieve the wagons and conduct any repairs the track.

Only coal is carried on the Ohai - Invercargill line so no general freight or passenger services are affected, KiwiRail says.

Train derailment near Wright's Bush, Southland, 11 January 2021.

The scene of the derailment. Photo: Supplied / Whatsonsouthland.nz