Impaled truck driver 'critical'

The truck driver impaled by a rowing skiff on Thursday remains in a critical condition. File photo / NZ Herald

A truck driver who was impaled by a rowing skiff that smashed through his windscreen remains critically ill in Palmerston North hospital.

A hospital spokeswoman said the 64-year-old Waikanae man was in a critical condition in intensive care.

The accident happened on State Highway 1 south of Levin on Thursday afternoon when a skiff broke loose from its 16m trailer and smashed through the windscreen of an oncoming truck, impaling the driver in his midriff.

Fire crews had to cut the man from the cab and also cut up the skiff, leaving the impaled piece in the driver.

He was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital by the Palmerston North rescue helicopter.

The driver of the vehicle and trailer continued on his journey, unaware what had happened until stopped by police in Foxton.

Police are investigating.

- NZPA