Troop carrier in car crash

An elderly woman was injured when her car and one of the Army's 20-tonne light-armoured vehicles collided outside Massey University.

The collision happened about 3.10pm on Thursday as the 75-year-old woman, an extramural student from Havelock North, drove out of the main university entrance.

She had to be cut from the car and was taken to Palmerston North Hospital with head injuries and a suspected broken femur. She was in a stable condition late yesterday.

Firemen at the scene credited the car's airbags with saving her.

The four soldiers in the armoured vehicle were not hurt and it suffered only paint scratches and a small dent.

Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said it would be placed in secure custody as part of the crash investigation.

"We will deal with it the same as any other vehicle from a crash, which includes doing tests to check the brakes, lights and any other requirements."

Major Miles McDonald said the soldiers were on a routine training drive and were all qualified drivers.

- NZPA