A KiwiRail driver was attacked on his train in Feilding in the early hours of this morning by two people who boarded the locomotive and then threw rocks at it, smashing the front window.
KiwiRail says the incident occurred shortly before 3am when the lone driver noticed something amiss at the rear of the train.
After fixing the fault he was attacked by two people who had boarded the second locomotive illegally.
KiwiRail Acting CE Todd Moyle said the driver, a locomotive engineer, was able to escape and lock himself in the cab. The offenders then proceeded to throw rocks at the locomotive, smashing the front window.
"This is completely unacceptable, cowardly behaviour and KiwiRail will not tolerate it. We are working with police and will use every legal means open to us to apprehend and punish the offenders," Mr Moyle said.
“Not only did they put themselves at risk by boarding a train, but they also posed a risk to members of the public and KiwiRail staff."
The locomotive engineer was not injured in the incident.
The engineer has been relieved of his duties to allow him time to recover and is being supported by his family and members of the KiwiRail team, he said.
Mr Moyle said because of the health and safety risk to its staff, trespassers will not receive any leniency from KiwiRail.
He said police were speaking to one person in regard to the incident and are actively seeking a second.
"Our main concern is for our staff member at the moment and we will continue to actively work with police."
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