Police hunt for ute that hit ambulance in crash

Police are looking through security camera footage to hunt down a hit and run offender who sped away from a crash that disabled an ambulance carrying a patient with serious head injuries.

The crash happened about 5.05pm on Waikato's Hinuera Rd, 5km south of Matamata near the intersection of Hopkins Rd, said Sergeant Neil Mansill.

The ambulance had been flashing its emergency lights to take a patient with a serious head injury to Waikato Hospital.

A ute coming head-on appeared to lose control on a bend and ended up completely across the centre line, Mr Mansill said.

The ambulance slowed down but was struck on its left side while the other vehicle, a utility, suffered damage to its front.

"Despite this damage the ute was been able to be driven off in the direction of Matamata and we're still seeking the driver," Mr Mansill said.

The patient did not suffer further injuries and the ambulance crew were unharmed.

But the ambulance was disabled and the patient had to wait for another ambulance to arrive, Mr Mansill said.

The dark green utility that had driven away from the crash was quite distinctive, he said. He asked people in the wider Waikato to keep an eye out for it.

"We believe it to be a late model flat deck Toyota Hi-lux about two years old, coloured dark green with a metal dog box or large tool box on the deck.

"The ute had bull bars on the front which will have been hanging down following the crash and it is missing a headlight which police recovered. The ute may also have suffered side panel damage."

Police were approaching several businesses in Matamata to obtain security camera footage of the utility travelling through the town, Mr Mansill said.

"We'll also be in contact with Toyota dealers, the vehicle is the latest model and I imagine there wouldn't have been too many flat deck models sold.

"Our advice to the driver is that he or she should turn themselves in rather than having to face more serious consequences should Police have to locate them."

Anyone with any information on the identity of the driver of yesterday's crash is asked to contact the Matamata Police on 07 888 7117. Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the confidential Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.

- NZHERALD STAFF