Stolen SUV abandoned after head-on crash

The Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance found only the car's driver at the scene. File photo / NZ Woman's Weekly

A stolen sports utility vehicle (SUV) was abandoned after a head-on collision with a car in the Karangahake Gorge Rd between Paeroa and Waihi early this morning.

The Waikato air ambulance was called to the crash about 2.15am, but found only the car's driver at the scene.

He was taken to Waikato Hospital with head and facial injuries, and a fractured leg.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley of Waihi police said up to six occupants of the Nissan Terrano, which had been reported stolen from Te Aroha, had fled the scene after the crash.

"We're conducting an examination of the vehicle in an effort to obtain forensic evidence that may identify those who were in the vehicle."

Mr Tinsley said it was too early to say what had caused the crash.

- NZPA

* Police have corrected initial reports which said a minibus - rather than SUV - was involved in the crash.