A man has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition, after a collision between a freight train and a car in Rolleston on Tuesday night.
A police spokesman told chrislynchmedia.com the crash was reported at around 7.25pm at the Kerrs Road level crossing.
Local fire And emergency crews responded along with St John.
A local resident at the scene earlier told Chris Lynch Media that a police officer initially believed the occupant of the vehicle was okay.
Photo: Daniel van Kessel
However, Chris Lynch Media has since learned the driver was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
KiwiRail Chief Operations Officer Paul Ashton confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com “a vehicle collided with a freight service travelling from Christchurch to the West Coast at Kerrs Road level crossing between Rolleston and Darfield at 7.19pm.
“The level crossing is protected by Stop signs.”
He said “our locomotive engineer is uninjured, but there has been some damage to the locomotive.
“In line with our standard practice, our locomotive engineer is being offered support.
Emergency services are on site and the line will remain closed until we receive clearance.”
