A coal train has smashed into a truck in the New South Wales Upper Hunter region this morning.
Shortly after 7am, emergency services were called to Turanville Road, Scone, following reports a southbound train and a flatbed truck collided at a level crossing.
The truck driver was trapped in wreckage for a short time before being freed by a witness.
The 29-year-old man was treated by paramedics for suspected head and chest injuries before being taken to Scone Hospital in a serious condition.
It’s expected he will be airlifted to John Hunter Hospital later this morning.
A truck is trapped under a train, following a collision at a railway crossing near #Scone. The truck driver, who’s suffered serious head and chest injuries, will be airlifted from Scone to John Hunter Hospital. Police are investigating. @nbnnews @9NewsSydney pic.twitter.com/JhsYAlO5TB
— Madison Scott (@_Madison_Scott) September 28, 2021
NSW Ambulance Station Officer Mark Bell said paramedics initially feared the driver could be critically injured.
“When we arrived on scene and saw the wreckage, there was obviously some serious concerns that anyone involved could be critically injured,” Mr Bell said.
“The local community members who rushed to his aid should be applauded, it’s great to see people looking out for each other in such difficult moments.”
“It’s so important to maintain vigilance when driving any type of motor vehicle. It only takes a split second for a horrific incident like this to occur.”
The train operator was uninjured.
Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The rail line will be closed for some time whilst the train is assessed.
