A KiwiRail locomotive has derailed at Hinds in South Canterbury.
The locomotive was travelling south from Christchurch to Dunedin without any wagons attached when it derailed in the township just before 8am.
It has tipped on its side, a KiwiRail spokeswoman told NZ Newswire.
The driver is fine, she said.
The state-owned rail operator was working to get the locomotive back on the tracks and repair any damage to line.
The accident would probably hold up some services, she said.
NZN