South Auckland train fire investigated

A train fire which forced the evacuation of 45 passengers and two crew in south Auckland yesterday is to be investigated by an accident watchdog.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said today it had opened an investigation into the fire on a two-car diesel train at Manurewa Station about 5.15pm.

The fire under one of the cars was noticed at the station by passengers leaving the Britomart-Papakura service, TAIC said.

Crew members evacuated all passengers at the station and the Fire Service was called to put out the fire, which engulfed the carriage.

No injuries were reported and the extent of damage has yet to be determined.

TAIC investigator-in-charge Dennis Bevin began enquiries last night and started his site investigation at Manurewa today.

TAIC is the independent Crown entity responsible for investigating accidents and incidents for safety rather than blame.

- NZPA