Truck on level crossing hit by train

Emergency services inspect the scene after a truck was hit by a train on a level crossing near Orari about 11am yesterday.

The 21-year-old Temuka truck driver was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital with moderate to serious arm and head injuries.

Sergeant Graham Sharp, of Temuka, said the truck was heading north on State Highway 1 and turned into Arundel Belfield Rd, crossing the railway tracks about 30m from the intersection.

The north-bound train hit the truck about the middle of the trailer, pushing it about 30m along the tracks, before it was flipped to one side.

The train took about 400m to stop.

Two men in the cab of the train were not injured.