A freight train has hit a trailer loaded with straw left on the tracks by a farmer in Marlborough this afternoon.
The north-bound train hit the trailer near Taimate, south of Lake Grassmere, about 3.30pm. No one was injured, and neither the train nor the track was damaged.
However, either the trailer or its load hit signals installations, which would have to be fixed, KiwiRail operations manager Carl Mills said.
"We're not sure what happened, but the likely explanation is the trailer came adrift from the tractor pulling it as it crossed the railway line at a private level crossing," he said.
"The train has come around a bend and not been able to avoid hitting it."
Farmers were urged to check their loads were securely attached before they crossed railway lines.
