Stranded Wellington Train Passengers Given ‘Toilet Supplies’ During Long Wait

Commuters on a Kāpiti Line train endured a three-hour ordeal this morning after a downed overhead electric cable left services stranded, forcing rail staff to hand out emergency toilet supplies to passengers.

According to RNZ, KiwiRail Wellington Metro General Manager Andy Lyon said the incident occurred at 7:50 a.m. when a power cable came down near Wellington, causing widespread disruption.

“Power was lost to three trains, causing them to stop on the line away from platforms,” Lyon said. “Two were moved earlier this morning so passengers could disembark. A diesel locomotive was dispatched to tow the third train, which had 152 passengers on board, back to Wellington Station,” reported RNZ.

That third train was stuck on the rail bridge over Hutt Road, leaving passengers unable to get off for safety reasons. “We were dealing with high-voltage electrical cables and had to ensure safety,” Lyon explained, adding that the cause of the snapped wire is still under investigation, RNZ reported.

Metlink senior manager Paul Tawharu confirmed that passengers had been stranded for just over three hours. “Emergency toilet supplies were provided as a last resort, and staff worked to ensure passengers’ privacy and comfort. Water was also available,” he said, quoted RNZ.

According to RNZ, one passenger, Geoffrey Weal, described the moment the train came to a halt around 8 am. “We were coming out of the second tunnel into Wellington when the train slowed and stopped. Later, we were told a power cable had snapped and was lying across the train,” he said.

Weal added that despite the inconvenience, passengers were understanding of the situation. Social media posts from those onboard ranged from frustrations about using “plastic bags” to praise for the “amazing crew.”

Meanwhile, other passengers faced delays across the network. Buses replaced trains between Wellington and Plimmerton, and the Hutt Valley Line was briefly closed to allow crews to access the stalled service.

KiwiRail has pledged a full investigation into the cause of the disruption.