The two-car southbound train was departing Khandallah Station at around 7:20pm when it was diverted onto a runaway line and into a large concrete stop block, causing significant damage to the train. Both crew members and four passengers were injured.
TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the Commission has so far established that the train was diverted because the signalling system detected that the track ahead was occupied.
The departure signal was set at red and the points on the track were set to divert the train to the runaway line to prevent it colliding with other traffic.
The train passed the red signal, and the emergency brake was activated. However, before the train could slow and stop completely it struck the stop block at 33 km/h.
“We are still verifying evidence and pursuing several wider lines of inquiry, including why the red danger signal was passed.”
A full report will be released once the investigation has been completed with final findings, causes, safety issues and recommendations.
Read the interim report: taic.org.nz/inquiry/ro-2026-105