A 55-year-old truck driver was trapped in his cabin for more than an hour after a two-vehicle accident in Port Kembla on Saturday afternoon.
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A ute is believed to have veered into the semitrailer while travelling north near the intersection of Five Islands Road and Flinders Street about 4pm.
Swerving to avoid the vehicle, the truck careered into an embankment and crashed into the pillars of a BlueScope train bridge.
The impact of the crash damaged the bridge at its base and crushed the front of the truck.
Illawarra Ambulance district officer Terry Morrow said paramedics gave the man pain relief while a NSW Fire and Rescue crew worked to free his pinned feet from the cabin wreckage.
After the steering wheel was removed and the man cut out of his boots, he was taken by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital with a fractured femur and minor head lacerations.
Mr Morrow said he was in a stable condition and in good spirits.
Wollongong police Inspector Dan Richardson said the male driver of the ute left the scene of the accident.
Crash Investigation Unit officers are now investigating the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Transport Management Centre said one of three northbound lanes on Five Islands Road will remain closed until at least Monday morning.
Motorists are advised there is a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h and they should allow additional travel time.