Track to reopen after derailed train fire

The North Island main trunk railway will reopen later today after closing when a freight train derailed and caught fire near Hunterville station overnight.

The train, heading from Auckland to Wellington, came off the track within metres of the north Manawatu station about 4.15am.

Sparks from the derailment ignited one of the wagons, OnTrack spokesman Kevin Ramshaw said.

The local volunteer fire brigade prevented the fire spreading to the rest of the train.

Mr Ramshaw said it was not yet known exactly what the wagon contained but he knew it was general rather than hazardous goods.

KiwiRail said four freight services had been delayed while the track was closed this morning, but it expected to have the wagon cleared and the track checked for services to resume later this morning.

Only diesel services would be able to use the track section between Marton and Taihape until damage to the overhead wiring was repaired later today.

The cause of the derailment would be investigated.

- NZPA