Melbourne tram and truck collision

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the serious smash in Parkville after a truck slammed into a crowded West Coburg route 58 tram on Elliott Avenue about 8am.

The force of the accident buckled one side of the tram, forcing it several metres off its tracks, and tipped the truck on its side causing it to leak fuel.

Paramedics treated 29 people for mostly minor injuries at a triage area set up at the scene. Police were also at the scene.

Fourteen people were taken to hospital, including three to The Royal Melbourne Hospital, four to St Vincent's Hospital, four to The Alfred hospital and three to Footscray Hospital.

The remaining injured did not need further treatment.

The tram driver was photographed lying next to tram with a defibrillator after reportedly complaining of chest pain but his condition is unknown.

Twelve firefighters are on the scene of the diesel spill with the clean up expected to take hours.

"The tram has been derailed so Yarra Trams heavy maintenance will attend to put the tram back on its tracks," a MFB statement said.

Elliott Avenue between Flemington Rd and Royal Pde in Parkville remains closed in both directions and is not expected to reopen until after Monday afternoon's peak-hour commute.

Drivers have been advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route such as using Brunswick Rd to Mt Alexander Rd and then travelling to Flemington Rd from there. 

Tram services on routes 70, 75 and 58 have also been affected.

Photos from the scene show the tram's windows have been smashed by the force of the smash and the inside of the tram is covered in dirt the truck was transporting.

One woman named Jennifer who witnessed the crash told ABC Radio Melbourne that passengers heard screams before being thrown from their seats.

She said after the crash the truck driver had been seen sitting next to the tram, shaking, and passengers were "lying everywhere".

This story first appeared on The Age