RO-1999-104 Train 1613, passenger safety incident, Featherston, 3 April 1999

On Saturday 3 April 1999, Train 1613, the southbound Masterton to Wellington passenger service, departed from Featherston while a scout party and an adult passenger were still loading their gear into the van. Three scouts were left on the platform and a fourth scout and the adult travelled to Upper Hutt in the unlit van. The scouts were at risk as they either alighted from, or attempted to board, the moving train during departure. The guard was unaware of the scouts' presence in the van. The incident occurred due to a failure to ensure passenger safety prior to the departure of the train. A safety issue identified was the lack of adequate procedures to ensure passenger safety prior to giving right of way. One safety recommendation was made to the operator.