Scooter rider lucky to survive truck collision

Alexandra police say a truck driver's actions saved a scooter rider's life when they crashed into each other this afternoon. File photo / NZ Herald

A 15-year-old Alexandra teen was lucky to survive after the scooter he was riding crashed into a 15-tonne truck this afternoon.

Police are praising the actions of the truck driver involved in the collision for avoiding a fatal accident.

At about 3.30pm, the teenager was riding his 50cc scooter along Dunstan Road and attempted to make a right hand turn into Hillview Road when he collided with the unloaded truck travelling in the same direction.

Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk of the Alexandra Police said that the truck was one of several vehicles passing the scooter when it appears the rider became distracted and started making a right hand turn as the truck passed him.

The truck driver realised what was happening and immediately took evasive action but was unable to avoid the crash. The scooter bounced off the rear left hand wheel guard of the truck, throwing the rider onto the road.

"After speaking to witnesses and examining the scene it is apparent that the actions of the truck driver have saved this rider from serious injury or death. This is as close as you can get. When a large truck hits a scooter the outcome is generally not a good one, so this lad is very, very lucky," said Senior Sergeant Kerrisk.

The driver of the truck - owned by Fulton Hogan - was shaken but uninjured.

The rider of the scooter was transported to the Alexandra Medical Centre for assessment. He was able to walk to the ambulance and his injuries are not believed serious.

Neither speed nor alcohol were involved.

- HERALD ONLINE