Christchurch-West Coast rail link still closed

The rail link between Christchurch and the West Coast remains closed today after a coal train derailed yesterday.

Seven wagons attached to the locomotive were derailed or partly derailed and a large quantity of coal was spilt after the accident at Jacksons, 27km northwest of Arthurs Pass. No-one was injured.

Toll spokeswoman Sue Foley said the line should be cleared by 8pm tonight.

About 70m of the line was affected.

The cause of the derailment was unknown and an investigation was being carried out, Ms Foley said.

- NZPA