Milk train derailed

Rail services through the Manawatu Gorge have been suspended after a freight train carrying milk hit a landslide early today.

The train, which was heading for Taranaki, hit a slip on the eastern side of the Manawatu Gorge about 5am, police central communications spokesman Inspector Marty Parker said.

There were no injuries and the slip was not blocking the road, he said.

OnTrack spokeswoman Jenni Austin said the milk tankers stayed upright and no milk was spilt.

"It's hit quite a massive slip in the gorge ... the first step is to move the wagons back and away so we can then begin recovering the locomotive," she said.

A crane was being brought in to move the locomotive but it was not clear how long it would take to clear the track, she said.

The line would remain closed until the track was clear.

- NZPA