Accident victims threatened

Aggressive bystanders threatened a group of German tourists involved in a head-on crash in the Far North.

Up to five people were taken to hospital, and three arrested, after the accident and fracas east of Mangonui on Thursday evening.

St John Ambulance said the accident was an example of the excessive levels of violence faced by its staff at emergency call-outs, especially where alcohol was involved.

Ambulances from Mangonui and Kerikeri were sent to the scene, as well as the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter with two advanced paramedics.

However, their work was hampered by a group of bystanders - thought to have been friends and relatives of the five people in the other car - who had become aggressive.

Mangonui Constable Steve Robinson said it appeared the car had been on the wrong side of the road when it rounded a corner and hit a campervan driven by the tourists.

"There was a bit of disorder - not necessarily from people involved in the accident - but once we dealt with two people, things calmed down and everybody could get on with their work," he said.

The German visitors had been threatened but not assaulted. The bystanders had left the tourists alone once they had realised they were not at fault.

Alcohol and speed appeared to have played a part in the crash.

St John Northland operations manager Tony Devanney said one patient, a young man with internal injuries, was flown to Whangarei Hospital, then shifted to Auckland City Hospital in the morning.

Aggression at accidents happened all too often, Mr Devanney said.

- APN