Casualties counted in serious car crashes

Photo / File

Motorists are being urged to take care on Northland's roads after a spate of serious crashes at the weekend.

All were single-vehicle incidents in which the driver lost control, in one case with near-fatal consequences.

The worst occurred about 1.50am on Saturday on State Highway 10, near the intersection with Otangaroa Rd north of Kaeo.

Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson of Kerikeri police, said the car was heading south with six occupants when it crossed on to the wrong side of the road and rolled. Most were understood to have been thrown from the vehicle.

Two passengers were flown to Whangarei Hospital by the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter in a serious condition. The others sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Kaitaia by St John Ambulance.

Blood was taken from the uninjured driver for alcohol analysis, which is routine after a serious crash.

The car's occupants were from various locations in the Mid and Far North.

Around noon on Sunday a Whangarei man was heading south on SH1, just south of Pakaraka junction, when he lost control and skidded off the road. The car was extensively damaged and the driver was taken to Whangarei Hospital in a serious condition with suspected neck and internal injuries.

The police Serious Crash Unit attended both accidents. Inquiries were continuing, Mr Robinson said.