Truck driver critical after train smash

A truck driver in his early 60s whose vehicle was in a collision with a freight train at Kumeu yesterday was in a critical but stable condition in Auckland City Hospital last night after surgery.

The accident happened at the Boord Cres level crossing at 10.24am.

A Westpac helicopter spokesman said the train hit just behind the truck driver's door. Police said the truck was shunted about 60m along the line.

KiwiRail spokeswoman Sarah Pomeroy said the crossing was controlled by a stop sign. It was the first recorded collision there for 10 years.