27 Feb 2023

Vehicle at level crossing causes train to derail in Waikato

10:52 pm on 27 February 2023
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Freight services between Auckland and Wellington are paused due to damage to the tracks. (file image) Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A freight train which derailed near Hamilton is expected to be removed on Tuesday.

The train, carrying a load of containers, came off the tracks at Waipa on Monday afternoon after it was struck by a vehicle at a rail crossing.

KiwiRail said a crane was expected to be at the site by midday Tuesday to lift the locomotive and wagons.

However, it said it was unknown when the line would reopen.

Freight services between Auckland and Wellington are paused due to damage to the tracks.

But KiwiRail said freight trains on the Tauranga-Hamilton-Auckland corridor, which was the busiest in the country, were still running.