Railway Crash in Canterbury District, 12:40am 12 Dec 2008

Shortly before 1.00am this morning Police were called to a railway line near Blighs Road in the Christchurch Suburb of Bryndwr.
Someone had placed two lengths of railway iron across the track. A train had hit the two lengths of iron which were then flung into a near by crossing control box and a fence.
Substantial damage was caused to the control box and the train.
Youths were seen running nearby at the time of this incident however it is not known if they were involved.
As a result of this incident crossing barrier arms are not working at the Wairakei Road, Blighs Road and Harewood Road level crossings. On Track are in the process of putting signage at each level crossing and trains are travelling at low speeds between Christchurch and Belfast.
No further information is available at this time.

Issued By: Inspector Michael Coulter