A train failed to radio in after travelling through the Kaimai Railway Tunnel early today - prompting firefighters to rush to the scene.
Tauranga and Greerton firefighters were called to both ends of the 8.9 km tunnel, the longest in New Zealand, at 3.30am after staff on a train that had entered it failed to report back after coming out the other side - as they were expected to.
The call for firefighters is part of a tactical response in case a train crashed, caught fire, or passengers needed rescuing.
Firefighters headed toward the scene but were later stood down when the train conductor eventually radioed to say they were safe, well and the train came through the tunnel without problem.
