An investigation has been launched into last night's derailment of a Wellington passenger train that caused major damage and left eight people injured.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said it had appointed an investigation team after a Metlink train came off the tracks between Khandallah and Box Hill stations on the Johnsonville Line just past 7pm.
TAIC accidents chief investigator Louise Cook said the team had been dispatched to the scene on Saturday night and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
"Getting information is vital, so we're keen to hear as soon as possible from people who were on the train or who saw the accident occur. We're especially interested in receiving photos or videos," she said.
The commission's initial focus was on evidence that could disappear or change, including fresh memories and anything affected by environmental conditions.
KiwiRail chief metro officer David Gordon told RNZ his thoughts went out to those hurt, including the driver who had hit his head and had been taken to hospital.
"This is dramatic," he said at the scene. "You get a text like this coming through... which says 'derailment and passengers injured' - it's pretty gut-wrenching.
"It's just not what you want and for the people on board, it's been worse."
Gordon said he did not know what caused the accident, which occurred just off the far end of the Khandallah station platform.
"The train is still standing upright, it's gone onto the single track section and moved onto the runaway section, as opposed to the main line," he told RNZ.
He said the train had come to rest against a block of concrete designed to stop it running further, and while it remained upright, its wheels were off the tracks.
Gordon said workers would remain on site throughout the night.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter told RNZ a contingent of staff from KiwiRail, Transdev and Rotem were on site.
Johnsonville Line services have been replaced by buses until further notice. Before the derailment, buses were already set to replace trains until 6pm for routine works.
Wellington Free Ambulance responded with six units and transported eight people to Wellington City Hospital. A spokesperson said injuries ranged from minor to serious.
A resident near the scene told 1News they heard a loud bang at 7.05pm that shook their house and could see the train crumpled and at a standstill from their balcony.
"When I heard shouting and what sounded like someone in pain, I called emergency services," the resident said.
The resident's father was among the first to reach the train.
Wellington city councillor Diane Calvert said she heard a "huge short boom".
Fire and Emergency NZ crews from Johnsonville and Porirua helped remove all passengers from the train.
Metlink senior operations manager Paul Tawharu said the cause of the derailment was unknown.
"My immediate thoughts are for the safety and well-being of the passengers and Metlink staff on board," he said in a statement to 1News.
Police said cordons at Box Hill and Station Rd had were lifted at around 9pm.
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