At approximately 0720 hours on Sunday, 13 June 1999, Train 3612, a Wellington to Upper Hutt electric multiple unit service, collided with an empty cable drum which had been moved alongside the track by persons unknown. The cable drum had been in close proximity to the line for at least 2 weeks. There were no injuries. The leading unit suffered minor damage.
Safety issues identified were the lack of effective reporting and follow-up procedures for potential obstructions alongside the track.
One safety recommendation was made to the operator.
