Driver injury-free after 'mangled mess'

The mechanic escaped with scratches and scrapes. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A driver walked out of hospital with only scrapes and scratches yesterday after his 4WD rolled and ended up a "mangled mess".

The 51-year-old mechanic was taking a Toyota Hilux for a test drive along Coatesville Riverhead Highway, north of Auckland, when it hit gravel on the left-hand side of the road.

He lost control and the vehicle rolled at least once before coming to a stop on its roof about 7pm on Friday.

James Harrold saw the tail end of the smash before running outside to help.

"I was sitting inside and heard a loud screeching noise, I looked up and saw the jeep come to a stop upside down. I called 111 and ran outside to see if I could help."

Harrold said the driver was lying on his stomach with his feet sticking out the front windscreen and his arm out the window and underneath the car.

After Fire Services cut the man from the vehicle, he stood up and walked to the stretcher.

"Considering the state of the car it's phenomenal he is fine. It's so good for his family."

Trevor Fleming saw the wreckage after the man was cut from the vehicle.

He said it is difficult to believe the man suffered such a "massive piece of trauma and walked out of hospital".

Constable Gareth Davis said the driver was "incredibly lucky" to escape with scrapes and scratches.

The crash was still being investigated.

Neither alcohol nor speed appeared to be a factor.