A freight train has hit a cow and derailed south of Masterton, cancelling services to Wellington this morning.
The northbound freight train struck the animal around 5am today on tracks at Waingawa, causing the front wheels on one of the wagons to fall off, KiwiRail said.
The driver was not injured in the crash, which was described as a minor derailment by the train company.
However, it will impact commuter services to the capital this morning, which have been cancelled until the track is cleared and any damage assessed.
Bus replacements have been put in place to cover routes from Masterton and Featherston to Upper Hutt.
Commuters with access to alternative transport into the city were advised to use that option, a spokeswoman for KiwiRail said.
Updates to travel options will be posted on the TransMetro website.
