Milk tanker collides with Overlander

The north-bound Overlander long-distance passenger rail service collided with a milk tanker this afternoon at a level crossing at Mananui, south of Taumarunui.

First reports indicated the driver of the tanker and the locomotive engineer were shaken but uninjured in the collision, Public Affairs Manager for Kiwirail, Kevin Ramshaw said.

The level crossing is protected by flashing lights and bells which were working at the time.

The Overlander was carrying 86 passengers. The train is being moved to Taumarunui where a replacement locomotive will pull it the remainder of its journey to Auckland.

- NZ Herald staff