FIRE crews are busy clearing Appleby Lane after a truck and trailer rolled, losing its load on Monday afternoon.
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Emergency services were called to the scene after reports the truck, carrying about 50 tonnes of coal, had left the road and rolled.
The driver, aged in his 60s, was transported to Tamworth hospital in a serious but stable condition after suffering head and leg injuries in the crash.
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Tamworth RFS Inspector Steve Prior said the driver was lucky to escape with minimal injuries.
"The circumstances of what caused the crash are still unknown as it was a straight stretch of road," Inspector Prior told the Leader.
"The truck was carrying about 50 tonnes of coal at the time, which has spilled all over the road.
"Our crews have been busy assisting with the clean up and ensuring minimal amounts of the coal go into the table drain."
Tamworth Fire and Rescue Superintendent Tom Cooper said his crews were also assisting with the clean up effort.
"Crews from West Tamworth 508 and Tamworth 452 attended the scene," Superintendent Cooper said.
"Our hazmat crews were needed to help with the clean up effort and to ensure the diesel tank didn't leak, leading to any kind of emergency.
"Fortunately, the fuel tank appeared to be pretty structurally sound so our crews helped drain the tank to be safe."
Inspector Prior said his team, along with Tamworth Regional Council crews and police, would continue to work until the road was clear.
"At this stage it is looking like it will take about four to six hours," he said.
"There is debris all over the road that needs hazmat teams to clean it up, so it will take some time.
"As well as that, I'm confident at some stage someone from the NSW EPA will need to come along and inspect the scene as well.
"Council and police are working to get the road open again and we will be on hand until the truck is righted, which at this stage looks like being later tonight [Monday]."