Rail services back to normal after train hits cattle

Rail services between Masterton and Wellington are back to normal. File photo / NZ Herald

Rail services between Masterton and Wellington are back to normal after a freight train slammed into a mob of cattle early today.

The locomotive hit the animals south of Masterton just before 5.30am, killing "a few" cattle and delaying commuter services, KiwiRail spokeswoman Cathie Bell said.

The single track was closed until about 9am so engineers could inspect the locomotive and clean up the mess, she said.

Commuters were taken to Wellington by bus until regular services resumed at 10.25am.

Ms Bell said she understood police were talking to the cattle owner but it was too early to say if any charges would be laid.

- NZPA