Train derailment causes gas leak

Photo / Warren Buckland

A freight train derailment in the central North Island has resulted in a gas leak.

The incident happened between Waiouru and Taihape just after 10am, Inspector Mike Coleman of central police communications said.

The gas is the refrigerator gas Argon, which is not toxic or flammable.

It was not yet known how the wagon came off the rails, he said. No injuries were reported.

A KiwiRail spokeswoman said the front wheels of one of the 39 wagons had derailed.

The company was conducting a "full investigation" into the incident, she said.

There were two other rail lines in the area, so other train services were able to get around the site.

"We hope to get the service underway and track repairs completed today but it is a remote location so that may limit that, but it will be done as quickly as possible," she said.