Emergency response under way after train-car collision in Rolleston, Canterbury

One person has been injured after a train collided with a car in Rolleston.

• Emergency services have been called to a crash involving a car and train in Rolleston.
• Crews were called to the scene at the Kerrs Rd level crossing about 7.20pm.
• A person is in a critical condition.

One person is in a critical condition after a crash involving a train and car in the Canterbury town of Rolleston this evening.

KiwiRail Chief Operations Officer Paul Ashton said the collision happened at the Kerrs Rd crossing between Rolleston and Darfield at 7:19pm.

A police spokesperson said officers were alerted to a crash about 7.25pm.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said they were working to extricate a person.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said an ambulance and rapid response vehicle were sent about 7.23pm.

The spokesperson said they took a person in a critical condition to Christchurch Hospital.

Ashton said the locomotive engineer is uninjured, but the locomotive has received some damage.

“In line with our standard practice, our locomotive engineer is being offered support,” he said.

“Emergency services are on site and the line will remain closed until we receive clearance.”