Hurricanes' doctor first on crash scene

A man was last night in a stable condition after having a medical event while driving led to his vehicle coming to a stop at the merchandise caravan on McLean Park, Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Hurricanes' Captain's Run was in full swing yesterday afternoon at McLean Park, Napier when a man driving past the park had a medical event and his vehicle crashed through the fence, just before 5pm.

The abrupt commotion disturbed the run, attended by many local families and children. As people realised what had happened, they rushed to help.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Jay Campbell was at the park and said the Hurricanes' doctor was one of the first on the scene.

"He was quick to jump to the scene. His medical instincts kicked in."

St John Hawke's Bay territory manager Brendon Hutchinson confirmed staff transported the male, aged in his late 50s or early 60s, in a serious condition following the incident.

No other people were injured.

One of the park's neighbours, who owned the fence that was ploughed through, said she had just pulled up the driveway when she heard the commotion.

Her attention was drawn to the damaged car, which she thought was being used as a training exercise for emergency services.

However, after seeing people running to the scene she quickly grabbed some towels and pillows and rushed to help.

"There were quite a few people running over and quite a few Hurricanes players."

It was only after the incident was over that she realised the car had ploughed "straight through" two of her fences.

Despite the damage to her property she was light-hearted about the situation and said she just hoped the man was okay.

Last night a Hawke's Bay District Health Board spokeswoman said the man was in a stable condition and a police spokeswoman said inquiries were ongoing.

Mr Campbell said he wished the man all the best for a speedy recovery.