Wild weather: Tree topples on to train, injuring driver in Wairarapa

The damaged locomotive. Photo / Becky Cassam

A passenger on a Wairarapa train hit by a tree has said the driver was a "miracle worker" and deserves a medal.

High winds saw a tree topple onto tracks near Woodside, striking the locomotive of the 5.46am service from Masterton on Tuesday morning.

Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed the train driver had been taken to Wairarapa Hospital with minor injuries.

WRL: Update 7:00am: Services are currently suspended due to a tree obstruction near Woodside. https://t.co/qwCTD4cjPm

— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) September 16, 2019

Becky Cassam was on the train when her and passengers heard a "big thud" between Carterton and Woodside.

She said they had strong winds and believed a tree branch had blown into the front of the carriage and lodged itself there.

"The train driver is a miracle worker because when you see the damage to the front of the driver's carriage... how he managed to get us all to Woodside, I just don't know."

Cassam said the driver's face was covered in blood and his arm look quite badly hurt as well.

No train services would be running during the morning's peak, with services still currently suspended.

A Metlink spokesperson said relief train crew and track maintenance staff were on site.

Tree blown into the engine damaging it and driver. Trains on Wairarapa line now suspended. Ambulance here for driver.

— Badger In Lock Down (@Michael_J_Parry) September 16, 2019

"The tree needs to be cleared from the track, then the locomotive and track need to be assessed for damage before the train can move."

They said limited buses would be running between Masterton and Upper Hutt, where passengers would then need to board Hutt Valley services.

Wild winds also meant more than a dozen callouts for Fire and Emergency in Wellington last night.

WRL: Update 7:00am: Services are currently suspended due to a tree obstruction near Woodside. https://t.co/qwCTD4cjPm

— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) September 16, 2019

A spokesman said they were mostly relating to fallen trees and powerlines.

Several buildings in the CBD also had windows blown out, including an office block on Woodward St.

Fire crews were also containing a small power pole fire in a rural area west of Masterton which they believed was sparked by the winds earlier this morning.