4WD crashes into shops, causes 'total devastation'

Photo / NZH

An out of control vehicle caused carnage in a Waikato town last night as it crashed into shops and levelled a picnic table before coming to a stop.

The crash happened on State Highway 1 in Tirau about 10pm, leaving a 54-year-old woman in Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

Constable Terry Garnett from the Putaruru police said it appeared the Nissan 4WD crashed into the side of an interior decoration shop before crossing the road and crashing backwards into an outdoor furniture shop.

The car took out a picnic table and power supply before heading across the road again and eventually came to a stop on a footpath.

The occupant had to be cut from the wreckage before being flown to hospital in the Westpac air ambulance.

"A number of witnesses who watched this unfold were amazed that the vehicle was not struck by passing trucks as it crossed the highway twice," Mr Garnett said.

He said the incident was still being investigated, and while it appeared alcohol may have been involved, police were also looking at whether the woman was suffering from a medical condition.

Jimi Bacon from Notting Hill Interiors told NZPA his shop was left with a hole in the side and an estimated $15,000-plus worth of damage had been done to goods inside.

The cost of repairs to the building itself would be even more, he said. "It's total devastation."

Mr Bacon, who was insured, said the woman involved was a local, and he would wait for the outcome of the police investigation before commenting on the crash itself.

- NZPA