The rail link between Dunedin and Christchurch remains closed after nine wagons of a freight train derailed last night, damaging a section of track just north of Palmerston.
Senior Sergeant Craig Brown, of Dunedin, said the driver, who was the sole occupant, was shaken but believed to be unhurt.
KiwiRail said today an 800m section of track had been damaged and the line would be closed until repairs were completed tomorrow evening.
The cause of the derailment is being investigated.
Trains are still operating on the Main South Line between Invercargill and Dunedin and between Christchurch and Oamaru.
Non-urgent freight between Dunedin and Christchurch will be held until repairs are completed and urgent freight will be moved by road, a KiwiRail spokesman said.
