Hamilton crash 'completely avoidable tragedy'

Photo / File

A woman's been left with critical injuries after she was thrown from a car which crashed west of Hamilton this morning.

Waikato District Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Jeff Penno, said emergency services were called to the intersection of Collins and Reagan Roads, near Templeview about 5.30am.

"Hamilton police were initially contacted to provide assistance to ambulance staff because of issues with bystanders.

"On arrival officers found a utility vehicle had failed to negotiate a bend and rolled for about 100m.

"The female passenger, believed to be in her early twenties, was travelling in the middle of the male driver and another male passenger.

"It appears the driver had been drinking and initial indications are that the woman, who was thrown clear of the vehicle as it rolled, was not restrained."

The ute came to rest on its roof in a ditch.

The woman suffered critical injuries and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance, as was the male passenger who sustained moderate injuries. The driver suffered minor injuries and is being interviewed by police.

Mr Penno said if police were correct about the circumstances of the accident, it was a "completely avoidable tragedy".

"We would be looking at three of the fatal five factors coming into play - speed, booze and belts - and if this woman loses her life it would be a senseless waste of life.

The Serious Crash Unit will investigate the crash.

- Herald Online staff