The scene of the crash in Kumeu. Photo / Natalie Slade
A truck driver in his early 60's has been flown to Auckland hospital in a critical condition after a freight train collided with his vehicle in Kumeu, northwest of Auckland.
The incident happened at the Boord Crest level crossing, near the intersection of Trotting Course Rd and Waitakere Rd at 10.24am.
A Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesman said the impact occurred just behind the truck drivers' door.
No one else was in the truck at the time, the spokesman said.
Police said the truck was shunted about 60 metres along the railway line and the crash was on a rail crossing controlled by lights and bells.
However, KiwiRail spokeswoman Sarah Pomeroy said the crossing had no lights or barriers and was controlled by a stop sign.
It was the first recorded collision there for 10 years, she said.
The train was travelling from Auckland to Whangarei. The driver has been stood down as a matter of policy and would be offered counselling and support, Ms Pomeroy said.
The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash in conjunction with KiwiRail.
The fire is the third suspicious blaze at the property in the space of a month.