Four hurt when ute rolls on beach

A man was airlifted to hospital and three others were seriously hurt after a ute carrying eight people rolled on a beach near Levin.

The ute, driven by a 21-year-old woman, was weaving from side to side on Himitangi Beach, which caused it to roll about 4.15pm on Friday, Constable Marc Belding of Foxton police said.

Four people were in the ute's cab and the other four seated in the back. All were aged between 17 and 21.

Four people suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and the others had minor cuts and bruises.

The Square Trust helicopter airlifted one man to Palmerston North Hospital with possible spinal injuries.

The accident appeared to have been caused by the manner the ute was being driven, Mr Belding said in a statement.

He said the public should remember that beaches were classed as roads.

- NZPA