Transport investigators are urging the 183 passengers who were on board the TranzAlpine when it broke down inside a tunnel north of Springfield to come forward as part of a formal inquiry.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission said Train 803, the Christchurch to Greymouth service, stopped in Tunnel 9 on the Midland Line, about 10km north of Springfield, at around 9.50am on Saturday after becoming unable to proceed.

The train remained in the tunnel for about an hour before exiting.

No crew or passengers were injured.

Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook has appointed a team of investigators to begin gathering evidence.

“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,” Cook said.

“So we’re keen to hear from all of the passengers as soon as possible.”

A link for passengers to submit information is available at the top of the homepage at taic.org.nz.

Investigators will also interview the train crew and those involved in the recovery operation.

“No Risk To Passengers” 

KiwiRail Passenger General Manager Clare Morgan said the TranzAlpine scenic train experienced a mechanical issue and became disabled in the tunnel between Staircase and Cragieburn.

“Shortly after 11am, the locomotive engineer was able to reset the locomotive and pull clear of both tunnels.

“The train stopped in a safe location and a relief train pulled it back towards Christchurch.

“The 183 passengers on board were looked after by our onboard crew.

“There was no safety risk to passengers during this incident.

“Passengers were given the option to continue by bus to Greymouth. Buses were also provided for our Greymouth passengers travelling to Christchurch.

“We sincerely apologise to all those involved and will be investigating this issue.”

“Staff and Customer Service Amazing” 

Passenger Amanda Trinnaman said: “We were in the tunnel, the train slowed then stopped. Nothing too abrupt. We were immediately informed there was an issue with one of the engines and they were working on it.

“Every 10 minutes we were given an update. The duty manager on board was amazing. They told us there was a secondary engine coming. In the meantime we were offered complimentary drinks.

“Within an hour they managed to get the engine running and get us out of the tunnel.

“They said they wouldn’t proceed any further once we were out of the tunnel for safety reasons and we would then wait for the second engine to arrive.

“It arrived after a couple of hours and headed back to Christchurch where they arranged free transport to the Coast. We got off in Springfield instead and retrieved our vehicles from Rolleston so we could still head over to the Coast.

“Because of the rain warning we were informed yesterday our return train on Monday could be impacted. That is why we decided to take our cars instead of the transport offered.

“They fully refunded both the trip there and back and offered a discount for a future trip. The staff and customer service were amazing.”

Another passenger said “staff and crew were amazing keeping us all informed.”

The Commission said the purpose of the inquiry is to improve transport safety by avoiding repeat accidents, rather than assigning blame.

It said inquiries are opened when the circumstances have, or are likely to have, significant implications for transport safety, or when findings and recommendations could improve safety outcomes.