POLICE are investigating the circumstances which led to a Mazda hatchback being impaled by an armco barrier on Lawrence St, Te Kūiti. PHOTO SUPPLIED
MORE than 20 people were involved in two crashes on Monday afternoon in the Waitomo District.
The first was at about 2pm near Waitomo Village and involved 19 tourists in two vehicles – a bus containing a driver and 16 international tourists, and a campervan with three occupants, two of whom were children.
Those involved suffered a range of minor injuries, police say.
It is understood that one of the vehicles was driving on the wrong side of the road.
The crash is still being investigated.
Just two hours later, a Mazda hatchback was impaled by an armco barrier on a stretch of Lawrence St, Te Kūiti which had been reopened days prior after extensive roadworks.
Police reports indicate the car was travelling at speed along Esplanade and turned right onto Lawrence St, before hitting a kerb with its front left tyre.
It then crossed to the other side of the road and mounted the kerb, lined up perfectly to be impaled by the barrier through the bonnet and rear windscreen.
It is understood two people were taken to Te Kūiti Hospital for treatment.
