Rock strikes driver in freak accident

The rock crashed through Lizzie Russell's windscreen. Photo / APN

A promising author who received severe facial injuries when a rock smashed through her car windscreen has undergone nearly 10 hours of reconstructive surgery.

Elizabeth Russell, 26, was driving to work in Hastings on Friday when the 6kg rock crashed through her windscreen, striking her in the face. She was rushed into surgery at Hawke's Bay Hospital where she remained in a serious condition last night.

Her father Mike Russell said she was making a good recovery after initial fears she may lose her sight in one eye. He described the crash as "a freakish accident".

"A second either way and it might have missed her, but then a split second either way and it might have caused more damage. It could have been worse. She is a gutsy girl."

He paid tribute to surgeon Derek Goodison and the team who performed the painstaking operation.

Russell, known to friends as Lizzie, gained a Masters degree in creative writing from Victoria University last year, and is writing her first novel.

Mike Russell said there was nothing to suggest the rock had been deliberately thrown. The most likely explanation was that it had fallen from another vehicle.

He praised the emergency services and the "community spirit" of passing motorists who came to her aid.

"We'd love to be able to thank the people who helped her," he said.

The incident happened about 9am on Friday, as Russell was driving to work at the Hastings City Art Gallery.

She had recently moved home to Hawke's Bay after spending a year teaching English in Japan and completing her studies. Russell's Twitter profile lists her hobbies as "Reading, watching, writing, listening ... with a cup of tea (or wine) in hand".

The rock struck her car on Karamu Rd, near the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, as she was rounding a bend in a 70km/h zone in a rural area on the outskirts of Hastings. It crashed through the lower part of the windscreen, and bounced off the dashboard up into Russell's face.

Despite her injuries, she remained conscious and managed to pull her vehicle safely to the side of the road. Passing motorists stopped to help her, and called emergency services.

She was rushed to hospital where reconstructive surgery began at 12.30pm.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or had any information is being urged to contact Hastings police on 06 873 0500.