Scooter driver hospitalised after collision with car

The rider's helmet was wedged between the ground and the vehicle's axle.

A motor scooter rider was being described by police as "a very lucky young man" after a crash in Greenmeadows saw him left trapped underneath a 4WD.

The accident happened just after noon near the intersection of Gloucester St and Guppy Rd and one local businessman said in the wake of it the only thing which appeared to be keeping the van off the rider's body was his helmet.

"It was wedged between the road and the axle," the man said.

Police were still putting the pieces together as to what happened but it appeared the large 4WD , which was travelling toward the city slammed into the back of a small two-door which they believe may have been slowing, or stopped, for the traffic lights ahead.

The collision also saw the scooter clipped and unfortunately for the 20-year-old rider he was thrown into the path of the still travelling 4WD - which came to a stop on top of him.
"He was caught under it," senior constable Bryan Farquharson said.

"But he was conscious all the way through and people were comforting him until help arrived."

The rider was carefully pulled clear and was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital with a gashed knee and a possible broken collarbone.

Both the 4WD and the car were badly damaged - with police saying the driver of the 4WD was suffering mild shock after getting out and seeing the young man under the vehicle.

The occupants of the other car were not injured.

The road was closed for about an hour and detours put in place.