Woman seriously hurt in Whangara crash

Emergency services were called to this crash off State Highway 35 yesterday morning when an SUV left the road, ending up against a fence and with the passenger side smashed in. Emergency services used specialist equipment to free a woman trapped in the vehicle. Picture supplied

A woman suffered serious injuries when the SUV she was in left State Highway 35 yesterday morning, hitting a large willow tree before coming to rest against a fence down a bank.

Emergency services were called to the crash at around 9.30am, and arrived within 20 minutes.

The crash happened near Waiomoko Road at Whangara.

Firefighters used specialist equipment to cut both doors off the left side of the vehicle to get the woman out.

She was taken to Gisborne Hospital by St John ambulance, with serious injuries. The male driver was able to get out of the vehicle through a window.  He was also transported to hospital with what were described as minor injuries.

Passersby were alerted by the vehicle’s hazard lights, and raised the alarm.

Police  have started a serious crash inquiry.  The coast highway was blocked for a time while the patients were cared for and the crash scene cleared.