Girl badly hurt after falling from truck

A woman died and three other people were injured when two vehicles collided at Wakapuaka, near Nelson. Photo / Herald on Sunday

An 11-year-old girl was last night in a serious but stable condition in hospital after falling from a moving truck.

Emergency services were called to the accident in Whakatane, which happened around 8am. The girl was taken to Whakatane Hospital and later flown to Auckland's Starship children's hospital.

Sergeant Ray Wylie of Whakatane said initial inquiries showed that the child had fallen from the back of a moving truck. Mr Wylie said her condition was causing concern.

A police spokesman said last night that so far no charges had laid against the driver of the truck. The serious crash unit was investigating.

The accident was one of several at the weekend, two of which were fatal. Wayne McEvedy, 36, died after losing control of his motorcycle on a bend on State Highway 77 at Winchmore, 11km northwest of Ashburton. The accident happened about 6am yesterday and the cause was still not known last night.

Also, 73-year-old Atapo King died after two cars collided when one crossed the centreline on SH6 at Wakapuaka, 6km north of Nelson, shortly before 5.30pm on Saturday.

She suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital, where she died about six hours later, police said. Three other people had to be cut from the vehicles and were all taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

Police said neither alcohol nor speed were a factor in the accident.

- Additional reporting: NZPA