Bus, truck collide in Christchurch

A bus and rubbish truck collided on the corner of Travis Rd and Parnwell St, fraying the nerves of already-shaken residents. Photo / Caroline King

Eastern Christchurch residents thought another earthquake had struck when a bus and rubbish truck collided earlier today.

The incident occurred at the corner of Travis Rd and Parnwell St in Burwood around 10.40am.

Travis Rd resident Miriam Esteves, who was a few doors down from the accident, heard the noise and felt the house shake.

"I was standing in the kitchen boiling water, and we heard the bang. The house did a bit of a wobble after and I was about to yell at the kids, 'I think it's another one', when I saw cars stopping. I had a peep out the window and saw the back of the bus."

Esteves said the earthquake had left her, and others, on "edge".

"Every little bump you feel you think it's another one," she said.

Nearby resident Cathy Wall also thought it was another quake - until she went outside and heard the bus driver "screaming".

"We all just sort of jumped up, ready to go to the doorway."

Wall said the bus driver was concerned about her daughter who was on the bus.

"They obviously didn't want to be apart today after the earthquake," she said.

It is understood the pair were taken to Christchurch Hospital.

The truck driver apparently escaped unhurt.