At approximately 0942 hours on Thursday, 6 April 2000, Train 326, a northbound express freight, was travelling on the up main through Pukekohe when dragging brake gear on a wagon near the centre of the train hit the spreader bar of the south-end turnout from the up main line to the loop. The impact caused the facing points to open and derail 13 of the following wagons.
Safety deficiencies identified were the limitations of the clevis pin retaining the wagon brake rod, and the worn condition of the brake rod safety chains.
Tranz Rail Limited took immediate steps to address the safety deficiencies identified and no safety recommendations were required.
