Eight killed in level crossing train crash

At least eight people were killed and dozens more seriously injured when a train crashed into a lorry at a level crossing in Australia.

The Melbourne-bound passenger train crashed into the truck at about 1.40pm local time near the town of Kerang in north-western Victoria state, said police spokeswoman Wendy Willingham.

“We have eight confirmed fatalities and my understanding is that they are still searching the wreckage for some missing people,” Victoria state police Inspector Steve Gibson said.

Police said the driver of the articulated lorry had been taken to Mildura hospital in a critical condition.