Questions start as investigators survey train damage

Accident investigators were yesterday reviewing data from the "black box" of the Southerner train that ploughed into a stock truck on Monday, injuring 21 people.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission, police and Tranz Rail have all begun inquiries after the accident at the South Canterbury settlement of Makikihi, 29km southwest of Timaru.

Tranz Rail's Southerner express from Christchurch, with 62 passengers and crew on board, sliced through the trailer of a fully laden cattle truck on an uncontrolled but marked level crossing.



Many of those kept in hospital overnight were discharged yesterday.

Witnesses and police officers said they were amazed that no one was killed in the crash, such was the devastation. A number of cattle from the trailer had to be shot.

Commission investigator Dennis Bevan will review the data on the train's event recorder, interview the crew and speak to the stock-truck driver, train passengers and witnesses.

The commission's investigation is expected to take at least three months and the results are unlikely to be released publicly until mid-year.

A South Canterbury police spokesman said yesterday that the two-pronged police investigation would check whether the stock truck was fully licensed and had a current warrant of fitness.

It would also check the number of hours the driver had spent on the road.

The truck driver, in his 30s, was unhurt in the accident but suffered shock. He was given a routine breath test, which proved negative.

Tranz Rail has praised the three crew of the Southerner who tended to passengers despite their own injuries.

Company spokeswoman Nicola McFaull said that when rescue staff arrived at the accident site, the crew - two of whom were injured, one seriously - had evacuated the train and organised the injured passengers.



Driver Peter Stringer spent the night in hospital.

Ms McFaull said Tranz Rail also found Makikihi residents amazing in their response to the emergency. They opened a local hall as a focal point for evacuees, supported rescue workers and comforted the injured.

One local food-processing business laid on tea, coffee and sandwiches for stranded passengers.

"It was tremendous ... It's the South Island community spirit at work," Ms McFaull said.

"They just chipped in and made things work."

- NZPA