Police say three youths had a narrow escape after a car crash on Ongaonga Road last week left their vehicle in flames.
The crash occurred just off State Highway 2 at about 7.30pm on Wednesday, resulting in callouts to police, St John and the Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade.
A witness says he was at a nearby property when he heard a bang and saw a cloud of dust.
"We raced down to see what had happened and there was still one person in the car. I helped other bystanders pull him clear and the car caught fire moments later.
"We were really lucky to get him out - it just went up in flames."