Train delays due to emergency

Morning commuters have been told to expect delays on the Southern and Eastern lines due to an emergency. Photo / File

Auckland Transport says an emergency incident at Middlemore has caused major delays on the southern and eastern train lines this morning.

Auckland Transport tweeted a recovery operation was now in progress after an earlier emergency services incident at Middlemore.

It's the second major disruption on Auckland's rail network in just over a day after a train broke down at one of the busiest points in the network during morning rush hour.

Commuters travelling to work were left stranded in packed carriages for more than an hour after a train stalled between Britomart and Newmarket.

Expect delays to the Southern & Eastern line train services due to an Emergency services incident at Middlemore. Updates to follow. ^HC

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) March 31, 2016

Police said the emergency situation involved a female patient from nearby Middlemore Hospital.

A northern police communications spokesman said they received reports of a woman, in her 30s, standing on the tracks.

Inspector Lou Alofa praised members of the public who worked to persuade the woman to get off the tracks, before authorities arrived.

"Before police arrived there, other people were trying to get her off, but she was resisting.''

Mr Alofa said officers managed to safely remove the woman and return her to hospital.

"We had to call KiwiRail to advise their trains.''

As a result of the emergency, train services on the Southern and Eastern lines were slightly delayed.

A response from Middlemore Hospital has been sought.

Clearance received, recovery in progress after the earlier emergency services incident at Middlemore. ^HC

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) March 31, 2016

- More to come..