The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is looking into how a train carrying more than 100 passengers got stuck in a South Island tunnel. The scenic Christchurch to Greymouth TranzAlpine service train 803 was travelling in a tunnel about 10km north of Springfield when it stopped just before 10am yesterday. It was carrying 103 passengers and stayed in the tunnel for roughly an hour. No one was injured. TAIC chief accidents investigator Louise Cook said the commission wants to hear from all passengers as soon as
possible. “It’s crucial in every investigation to capture any evidence that could change with time – and that includes the recollections of the passengers on board.” Investigators will also be talking to the train’s crew and those involved in its recovery. ‘I didn’t even realise it was an emergency’ One passenger said the train calmly came to a stop inside the tunnel and she was surprised an investigation was being deemed necessary. Auckland’s Lisa Brien Herd was travelling in the South Island with her family
and said the situation was well handled by crew. “We understand things like that happen. There was no sense of panic, I didn’t even realise it was an emergency. so I was quite surprised that there was going to be an investigation at all.” She said passengers caught up in the disruption were relaxed. KiwiRail said the train was pulled back to Christchurch before buses were organised for passengers.
TranzAlpine, TAIC, Transport Accident Investigation Commission, train stuck in tunnel, Springfield, Christchurch, Greymouth, train 803, Lisa Brien Herd, Louise Cook, Auckland, recovery