Fire in carriage stops commuter trains

The fire disrupted train services in both directions for about 40 minutes during the morning peak period. Photo / Greg Bowker

Trains into Auckland City were brought to a halt soon after daylight yesterday when a fire broke out in a commuter carriage.

The train stopped near the Mt Eden Prison as the carriage was evacuated and four fire appliances fought the flames.

Tania Matthews, senior communicator from the New Zealand Fire Service, said both tracks, which run past Mt Eden Prison by Boston Rd, were closed after the first call from train control at 6.40am.

"The train was city bound and they stopped all traffic because we were working on the lines," she said.

The fire was quickly put out and train services resumed after about 40 minutes

Police also closed both ends of Boston Rd while the firefighters dealt with the fire.

- NZPA