Tourists seriously injured as 4WD and train collide

A driver and his passenger were flown to hospital yesterday after their 4WD vehicle and a goods train collided in the Bay of Plenty yesterday.

The driver was taken to Rotorua Hospital and was said to have serious injuries. The passenger was taken to Tauranga Hospital where his condition was also said to be serious.

The injured men are Danish tourists.

Inspector Kerry Watson, of the police central communications centre, said two helicopters transported the injured after the crash at Te Teko on State Highway 30, near Whakatane, about 11.30am.

The 4WD vehicle apparently hit the side of a goods train bound for the mill at Kawerau.

Rotorua-based pilot Barry Vincent, from the Tenon Rescue helicopter service, said he was sent to the scene with paramedics to assist emergency services from Edgecumbe.

He said the driver, believed to be in his 20s, appeared to have been thrown from the vehicle by the impact. The driver was flown to Rotorua Hospital.

A second patient was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital by the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter.

Senior Constable Pete Bedford, of the Whakatane police, said the two occupants of the 4WD were male Danish tourists. Police inquiries were continuing.

- NZPA