Tokoroa rail crossing crash: One taken to hospital in serious condition

One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition after a crash in Tokoroa this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Bridge St, where a train collided with a vehicle, just after 4am.

Hato Hone St John said they were notified at 4.06am and attended with one ambulance and one rapid response unit.

“One patient, in serious condition, was transported to Waikato Hospital,” a spokesperson said.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the vehicle ended up in a nearby driveway and crashed into a tree as a result of the incident.

Debris from the impact was left across the property.

The occupants of the house said they were asleep at the time and didn’t hear the crash.

They were woken by police knocking at the door.

“One of the officers said I must’ve been a deep sleeper,” the resident said.

“I came outside and saw the ute in the driveway and tree branches all over the place.

“I hope [the driver is] okay.”

Police said they were alerted to the crash around 4.10am and are making inquiries.

The road was blocked while emergency services were in attendance, a police spokesperson said.

“One person received injuries and was assessed by ambulance.”

One Fire and Emergency New Zealand crew from Tokoroa also attended the crash.

“They assisted police and ambulance and departed the scene around 4.30am,” a spokesperson said.

KiwiRail acting chief operations officer Soren Low said the vehicle collided with a freight train.

“The level crossing has flashing lights and bells.

“KiwiRail received clearance to reopen the line at approximately 8.50am following track inspections. Log trains using the line today are experiencing delays as services catch up.”