A truck driver is in a critical condition this afternoon after being impaled by a canoe.
The incident occurred around 12.30pm on SH1 Kimberley Road. A fully-loaded car transporter was travelling south and another vehicle towing a trailer containing several canoes was travelling in the opposite direction.
One of the canoes on the trailer appears to have come loose and smashed through the windscreen of the car transporter impaling the driver. The car transporter then crashed into a nearby paddock blocking the railway line. Train control was immediately notified.
The 64-year-old truck driver from Waikane had to be cut free from his vehicle and was then flown to Palmerston North Hospital by the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.
The Serious Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.
Any witnesses to the crash who haven't already provided their details to the Police are asked to contact Senior Constable Noeline Jopson on 06 366 0500.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.