Auckland trains return to normal after two workers suffer electric shock at Parnell station
Auckland trains are now running at their normal timetables after two workers suffered a serious electric shock at the Parnell railway station in Auckland, causing widespread delays.
KiwiRail Metro general manager Jon Knight said power was restored to the section of line between Newmarket and Britomart in Auckland shortly before noon and it was reopened to commuter trains following an incident overnight.
“We have removed the rail vehicle and inspected the overhead lines, signals and tracks in the area,” he said.
“KiwiRail, [Auckland Transport] and metro operator Auckland One Rail have developed a plan with the aim of having train services back to their normal frequency in time for this afternoon’s peak period.“
Britomart train station closed and trains were delayed this morning after what Auckland Transport called an “emergency services incident”.
KiwiRail has opened an investigation into the “isolated incident”.
Emergency services responded to the “workplace accident” near Heather St in Parnell at 1.22am, police said.
“It was reported two workers had been electrocuted on site.”
Hato Hone St John said it sent two ambulances and one rapid response vehicle. Crews assessed two people at the scene, with one taken to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition and the second to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
“A KiwiRail worker is in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital and we are in contact with our contractor, who is supporting their employee who has been discharged from hospital,” said Knight.
Police at the scene told 1News that one of the victims was found “with significant burns to his body, another one not so bad”.
‘Maintenance vehicle touched overhead power lines’
KiwiRail said the two workers were hurt when the maintenance vehicle they were in came into contact with the overhead powerlines.
The power had been isolated in a section of the rail network so overhead power systems could be inspected as part of “routine maintenance”, Knight said.
A Herald photographer said it appeared the pair had been working from a cage on overhead lines before the incident occurred.
Multiple detectives were at the scene, he said. Police staff had called in a specialist lighting and power support unit from Fire and Emergency NZ to assist with scene lighting so detectives could take photos.
WorkSafe confirmed it had been notified and was investigating the incident.
Major delays for trains across Auckland
Rail commuters dealt with with long delays following the incident.
Western line trains ran between Swanson and Newmarket, Southern line trains between Papakura and Newmarket, and the Eastern line between Manukau and Ōtāhuhu, all on a 20-minute frequency.
Britomart station closed, with four rail buses to run between Newmarket and Britomart after 7am. One rail bus ran between Ōtāhuhu and Britomart from 8am-10am. Meanwhile, trains on the Onehunga line were suspended,