A 12-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after she was hit by a car near Paihia early yesterday. The girl had just walked across a bridge on Highway 11 at the southern end of Te Haumi Beach when she went to cross the road and was struck by a car heading towards Paihia about 6.55am, shortly before sunrise.
She suffered head injuries and was initially in a serious condition. The Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter was dispatched from Whangarei but diverted to a medical emergency in Kaikohe, so she was taken by St John Ambulance to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa and from there to Whangarei.
Constable Chip Adcock, of Mid North police, said there was no indication that speed was involved but it was a reminder for drivers to be aware of pedestrians and keep their speed down.
Although the girl's condition was initially regarded as serious she was conscious and talking in the ambulance.
The accident site was a known danger spot. A corner immediately south of the bridge meant northbound drivers had little time to react if someone was crossing the road, Mr Adcock said.