A truck driver is facing a string of charges after his semi-trailer collided with a freight train in Katherine.
NT Police have issued the 34-year-old man a summons to appear in court having now completed their investigation into the crash in June 2023.
It’s alleged the truck driver was using a mobile phone immediately before the collision, which resulted in the train derailing.
The heavily loaded truck was travelling along Florina Road towards Zimin Drive when the driver allegedly failed to see a pre-warning light at a level crossing and boom gates.
Without enough room to bring the truck to a stop, the driver allegedly tried to accelerate across the tracks, hitting the train.
The collision sparked a large-scale response from emergency services, with four people including the 34-year-old taken to Katherine Hospital with minor injuries.
The truck driver is due to face the Local Court in February on charges including recklessly endangering serious harm, dangerous driving, driving using a mobile device and entering a level crossing when warning lights were active.
Detective Sergeant Jeremy Brunton says the collision highlights the importance of obeying road signs and signals.
“The consequences of disregarding safety measures can be severe, as witnessed in this incident,” he says.
