Main trunk line reopens after derailment

The main trunk railway line has reopened after a freight train wagon derailed in south Auckland, closing the line for several hours this morning.

Ontrack spokesman Kevin Ramshaw said a north-bound freight train wagon derailed near Wiri Station, in south Auckland about 11.30am.

The driver - the sole occupant - was not injured in the accident, and the wagon was lifted to a railway siding.

Mr Ramshaw said the line was reopened about 3.30pm and a 40km speed restriction was in place over a 1km area of the line.

Commuter services were not expected to be affected by more than 10 minutes because the line reopened before peak time.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the derailment.

- NZPA