Fire breaks out on Auckland train

Trains into Auckland city were brought to a halt soon after daylight today when a fire broke out in a commuter carriage.

The train stopped near the Mt Eden Prison as the carriage was evacuated and four fire appliances fought the blaze.

Tania Matthews, senior communicator from the New Zealand Fire Service, said both tracks which run past Mt Eden Prison by Boston Rd were closed after the first call from train control at 6.40am.

"The train was city bound and they stopped all traffic because we were working on the lines.

"The fire has been put out."

Trains on one of the lines had been resumed at a reduced speed, she said about 40 minutes after the fire was first noticed.

"It is essentially all over. We just have one appliance there."

Police also closed both ends of Boston Rd while firefighters dealt with the fire.

- NZPA