Runaway train sparks call for operational review

A runaway train incident in central Auckland has led to a call for rolling stock maintenance to be reviewed.

In October 2006, a train carrying 12 passengers travelled for more than half a kilometre without its driver, after he got out to investigate why the emergency brake had come on, Radio New Zealand reported.

It stopped only nine seconds before reaching points between Britomart and Newmarket.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission said the potential for a derailment was significant as the train would have arrived at a curved stretch of track travelling 60 per cent faster than the speed limit.

It recommended the New Zealand Transport Agency assess how widespread maintenance shortcomings are.

- NZPA