Man seriously injured in Nelson crash

A 20-year-old man has been hospitalised with serious head and chest injuries after a crash near Nelson overnight.

Four young men were travelling on the Coastal Highway toward Mapua, 31km west of Nelson, when their vehicle crossed the centre line and collided with several large trees about 1am, Nelson Sergeant Wade Jennings said.

The injured man, a rear passenger, was taken to Nelson Hospital but was likely to be transferred to Wellington Hospital later today, he said.

The three other men escaped with minor injuries.

Mr Jennings said the driver had not been drinking and no other vehicles were involved.

The police serious crash unit was investigating.

- NZPA