Tutira farmer Murray Heays, 75, spent five hours trapped in an overturned four-wheel- drive before being rescued last night.
Mr Heay's family became concerned at 6pm when he didn't return from working on their farm yesterday evening and went to look for him.
Mr Heay's overturned red Toyota Landcruiser was found lying the edge of a track. He had been stuck in the vehicle for three hours with his leg pinned underneath the dashboard.
Ambulance, volunteer firefighters and locals then spent an hour and a half hours stablising the vehicle with timber and jacks before they could dig him out.
St John Ambulance Central Region watch manager Stephen Smith said once the vehicle was stabilised, ambulance staff were able to give Mr Heays pain relief, fluids and oxygen. He said they had used tools and implements to dig under the vehicle so that the man could be manoeuvred out.
Mr Smith said Mr Heays had moderate lower-leg injuries and cuts and bruises to his head.
Due to high winds the Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter could not land near the vehicle and Mr Heays had to be taken to it by ambulance.
This morning Mr Heays, who is in a stable and comfortable condition in hospital, said he wished to thank the helicopter pilot.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
Farmer trapped under four-wheel-drive for five hours
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