Photo: Supplied / Courtney Kendall
Railway carriages that had disconnected from a freight train and blocked a road near Paraparaumu in the Lower North Island have been towed from the area.
Up to eight carriages came away from their tow and stopped across Otaihanga Rd just at ten thirty this morning.
A KiwiRail spokesperson says a coupling device malfunctioned - automatically engaging brakes which stopped the carriages across the road.
"A coupling device malfunctioned causing two wagons to separate near Otaihanga," a statement said.
"When this occurs, the air line detaches, which sets off alarms and immediately activates the train brakes to prevent the wagons from rolling uncontrolled. We are working to rectify the situation as quickly as possible."
Otaihanga Road reopened to traffic just ahead of midday.