Stratford crash involving train and truck: Serious injuries reported

One person has been seriously injured in a crash involving a train and a rubbish truck in Taranaki.

The crash at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Radnor St in Stratford was reported about 6.42am with SH3 blocked and traffic management in place.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternative routes where possible.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one ambulance and one rapid response vehicle went to the incident and one person was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in a serious condition.

A person working nearby said, “I heard this awful noise.”

“I knew straight away it wasn’t a car hitting another car it sounded totally different.

“It’s a busy road so there were people there straight away but I don’t know how it happened. I feel so sorry for the train driver in these things.”

Police, fire and ambulance services were at the scene where there was rubbish all over road.

Scene of a train and truck crash on State Highway 3 at Stratford. Photo / Ilona Hanne

SH3 was blocked for about three hours with traffic management in place at the scene.

KiwiRail chief operations officer Siva Sivapakkiam said a rubbish truck had collided with a freight train heading northbound at the Radnor Rd level crossing near Stratford earlier this morning.

“The train driver was shaken but uninjured and is receiving support.

“The line will remain closed until police give clearance for it to re-open.”

One person has been seriously injured in the crash involving a train and a rubbish truck. Photo / Ilona Hanne