Shadbolt and McCormick heroes in car crash

Two teenagers trapped in a wrecked car in Southland on Saturday have Tim Shadbolt and Gary McCormick to thank for their rescue.

Invercargill mayor Mr Shadbolt and entertainer Mr McCormick cut their way into the car with a hunting knife to help free the duo.

The car, carrying four teenagers aged between 17 and 19, was travelling towards Winton on State Highway 6 around 4.15pm when it struck a power pole then a tree, trapping two of the occupants.

Mr Shadbolt and Mr McCormick arrived on the scene shortly after the crash on their way from Mataura to Queenstown Casino to perform a show.

They were unable to smash the windshield, but Mr Shadbolt was carrying a hunting knife and they cut a hole for Mr McCormick to climb through.

He released a seatbelt that was choking one of the occupants and supported her until rescue services arrived 20 minutes later.

The car's occupants were taken to Southland Hospital and one was later discharged while the other three remained in a stable condition yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Dave Blanks told The Southland Times Mr Shadbolt and Mr McCormick "did a fantastic job".

The investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.

- NZPA