Executive summary
On Monday 16 February 2004 at about 0250 Train P40, a Palmerston North to Oringi return shunting service, derailed when it ran into a washout at the 43.554 km, between Oringi and Woodville on the Palmerston North – Gisborne Line. Six wagons derailed and about 150 m of track were damaged.
Surface water from intense rainfall ponded upstream of culverts at 43.554 km and 43.581 km and washed out about 5 m of track formation.
There were no injuries.
The safety issue identified was the running of trains in adverse weather conditions after special track inspections had ceased.
One safety recommendation was made to the Chief Executive of ONTRACK.
Related Recommendations
ensure adequate suitably qualified personnel are available to provide coverage for special inspections during adverse weather conditions, and for an appropriate period afterwards while a threat of flooding exists, or if not make arrangements to close the affected line to rail traffic.