Train derailment sparks fires

A train derailment has sparked several fires south of Wanganui.

A milk train came off the tracks in Fordell at 7:45pm yesterday. The friction of metal on metal caused sparks which created the fires in grass and a three hectare pine plantation.

Wanganui fire station officer Gary Wilson says his crews finished up at two o'clock this morning, but the District Council's fire team are continuing to fight the flames. He says it was difficult fighting the flames in the dark and the Fire Service is resume the battle this morning with the help of a helicopter equipped with a monsoon bucket.

- Newstalk ZB