Veteran Melbourne Nine News presenter Peter Hitchener was briefly lost for words during a news segment on Tuesday night when he suffered a coughing fit.

Speaking about a crane collapse in the Netherlands, Hitchener appeared in control. But as screaming was heard on the footage, Hitchener began to cough and choke.

Thinking quickly, the news anchor threw to weather reporter Livinia Nixon to keep the program flowing.

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It’s safe to say, our #9News newsreaders can tackle any challenge thrown their way. #ExperienceCountshttps://t.co/lSdBxA4BG9

— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) August 4, 2015

Nixon took control and continued reading the script, as faint coughs could be heard in the background.

He tried to take over again, but the coughing fit continued and he again threw back to Nixon.

After the segment Hitchener laughed off the glitch, telling viewers: “She’s back, Livinia Nixon joins us again, I think you’ve met her already, and we’ll check on the weather”.

“Very cold this morning, not so good for the throat was it?” he said laughing.

This isn’t the first time Hitchener has kept calm, cool and collected during an on-air disaster.

Here he stuck to the script and said someone was “burd–ened” with information, while a seagull crept behind him.

Hitchener is not opposed to the odd chuckle or two.

Here, sports reporter Tony Jones made a joke about US tennis champ Venus Williams which sets him off.

Viewers and Nine News staff quickly took to social media about the coughing fit.

@phitchener9 @LNixon9 @TJch9 you look after yourself Pete!

— #No.17OnItsWay (@Jovigirl9) August 4, 2015

Hope your feeling better @phitchener9 get well soon👍🏻

— BluBoy (@blu_boys) August 4, 2015

@phitchener9 @LNixon9 @TJch9 Now that’s team work! A nation held its breath! Great save Liv! 👌🏼 — Brian Peel (@Brian_Peel) August 4, 2015

Just in case the voice bug hits @LNixon9 during the weather @cstanaway is standing by. #dressedbyhismum pic.twitter.com/T2X12lFJqP — Andrew Lund (@andrew_lund) August 4, 2015

Having a laugh, and a water, with the lads about tonight’s @9NewsMelb The fab @phitchener9 is all good to go now! pic.twitter.com/MiFj63ZjOH

— Livinia Nixon (@LNixon9) August 4, 2015