Overhead 1500-volt power lines at the Dapto level crossing acted as a slingshot today, catapulting a truck 6m backwards onto a rail line.
The truck driver spent several terrifying minutes stuck on the track, not knowing whether he would be electrocuted or hit by a train.
Ultimately he walked away unhurt, but cursing himself for "stuffing up big time".
The 45-year-old man from Koonawarra was driving a small transport carrier loaded with two cars east along Bong Bong Rd about 11.30am when the vehicle became caught in the overhead line.
This caused the line to ricochet off adjoining wires, bending the supports before hitting the rail platform and leaving scorch marks across the awning.
Police and a unit from the Dapto NSW Fire Brigades attended while State Rail personnel cut power on the electrified line between Avondale and Kembla Grange.
Dapto fire station officer Trent Lawrence used an insulated lever to unhook the line from the truck.
Mr Lawrence said the truck driver was lucky to escape with his life, the only thing separating him from electrocution being a set of rubber tyres.
Full story in Wednesday's Mercury
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