Wellington train derailment: Investigators race to secure evidence which could disappear
The chief investigator trying to work out what caused a Wellington passenger train to derail says the immediate focus is to gather evidence that could disappear.
Six people were injured after a Johnsonville Line passenger train came off its tracks between the Khandallah and Box Hill stations last night.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is probing the incident.
Chief investigator Louise Cook told the Herald the initial focus is gathering accurate information, particularly evidence that could disappear or change.
“That’s things like people’s memories, any evidence that can get washed away.”
Cook said there is a lot of rain in the capital, so investigators will try to collect any at-risk evidence as soon as possible.
TAIC inquiries can take 18 months to two years, depending on how complex the accidents are.
However, if initial evidence suggests something requires urgent attention, the commission can issue an “urgent safety recommendation to those that can make a change”.
“At this stage, we have no idea of the complexity of the inquiry.”
Investigators were on site last night and will be back in the coming days, Cook said.
The Metlink train derailed just after 7pm yesterday.
Six patients were taken to Wellington City Hospital, four in a minor condition and two in a serious condition, Wellington Free Ambulance said.
All passengers made it off the train, with no need for extrications.
Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert was at home when she heard “a huge boom”.
“I wasn’t sure what on earth what it was,” Calvert said. “It was like an earthquake, but there was no shaking.”
Metlink senior operations manager Paul Tawharu said his immediate thoughts were “for the safety and wellbeing of the passengers and Metlink staff on board. I’d also like to thank the emergency responders for their fast and excellent response.”