Man critical after 'diving accident' at falls

The Lowe Rescue Helicopter responded to two calls, an hour apart, one in Frasertown where two dirt bikers collided and another where a man received head and neck injuries after a diving accident at Tangoio Falls (right). Photo/Supplied

A Hastings man was in critical, but stable condition in Christchurch Hospital last night after a "diving accident" at Tangoio Falls, north of Napier.

The 22-year-old was rushed to Hawke's Bay Hospital by the Lowe Rescue Helicopter with suspected head and neck injuries at about 3pm on Saturday, before being transferred to Christchurch for specialist care yesterday.

He had been part of a group who walked for 30 minutes to reach the waterfall, which is known as one of the region's top tourist attractions.

Rescue Helicopter spokeswoman Louise Harvey said the helicopter had to land on a nearby road, while paramedics tramped in to lift the man out by foot.

St John Ambulance Service staff were first on the scene and had the patient on a stretcher by the time paramedics arrived.

It is unclear exactly where the man had jumped from and how he received the injuries.

"We don't know if he's actually tried to jump from the falls - I'm not sure that's even possible," Ms Harvey said.

Department of Conservation's Dave Carlton had never heard of any previous incidents at the falls.

An hour earlier the helicopter had responded to help two males in Frasertown, Wairoa, who collided while riding dirt bikes on a farm track about 2pm.

A 13-year-old received a serious foot injury, while a 20-year-old's lower leg was damaged.