MP on the mend after car accident

Labour MP Judy Keall remains in a comfortable condition in hospital today following a head-on car crash on State Highway One on Saturday.

Sergeant Derek Turbey, of Levin police, said a light truck travelling south veered across the road into the path of the Kealls' car, striking it head-on about 3.40pm at Manakau, 12km southwest of Levin.

The Kealls' vehicle was then rear-ended by a following car.

Graeme Keall was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital with serious chest injuries.

Mrs Keall and the driver of the following vehicle were taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance.

A spokeswoman for Mrs Keall said the Otaki MP was in a comfortable condition after undergoing a lengthy operation yesterday to repair her femur that had been broken in two places.

She remained in intensive care but was expected to make a full recovery. She would stay in hospital for several weeks, the spokeswoman added.

Mr Keall had a broken sternum and was expected home soon.

The couple had recently got back together, eight years after their 25-year marriage collapsed. Mrs Keall is retiring at the upcoming election.

- NZPA