A train carrying empty coal wagons to Nightcaps derailed at Wrights Bush on the Ohai-Invercargill line today, a KiwiRail spokesman has confirmed.

The non-injury accident happened about 8.30am today.

Limited damage occurred to the track and rolling stock.

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“The cause of the accident is not known at this stage, and KiwiRail will be conducting a full investigation.

“KiwiRail estimates it may take up to a week to recover the wagons, and complete any necessary repairs to the line. 

“Only coal is carried on this branch line so no general freight or passenger services are affected,” he said.

Bathurst Resources Ltd general manager domestic operations Craig Pilcher. PHOTO: Supplied

The line is used five days a week to transport shipments from Takitimu, Bathurst Resources Ltd general manager domestic operations Craig Pilcher said.

The Takitimu mine contains one of the few remaining pockets of sub-bituminous coal in the region, where coal has been produced for over 140 years.

Mr Pilcher said there would be no disruption to the Takitimu mine and operations would continue as normal.

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"The track is expected to take approx five days to repair. There are no exports from the Takitimu mine. This coal is used for thermal energy in the lower South Island.

"Customers have contingency stocks at their sites so there is not expected to be any change to trucking numbers from the mine.

"The customers in South Canterbury have substantial contingency stocks for this type of eventuality," Mr Pilcher said.