The drivers of a truck and car were injured today after their vehicles collided head-on about 15km east of Invercargill about 10am. Both drivers were the only occupants of their vehicles.
Emergency Services personnel rushed to the scene on State Highway One, between Woodlands and Dacre. Fire fighters cut the driver of the Holden Captiva station wagon from his vehicle and he was treated in an ambulance before being transported to Southland Hospital. The truck driver, who did not appear seriously injured, was taken to hospital in a second ambulance.
Debris, including the diesel tank from the truck, was strewn across the highway. The truck hit a power pole, bringing down lines. The highway was closed for just over an hour, with traffic diverted to side roads.
The Capitiva was heading north when the driver overtook another car, slamming head-on into the truck travelling south, Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnisen of the Dunedin Police said.
The driver of the second vehicle was not caught up in the crash, he said.
Hokonui Freight Transport driver Doug McDairmid, of Gore, said he was driving north towards Gore when he came across the crash moments after it happened.
He said he went to see if he could help while another motorist called emergency services.
"I saw the fellow [the driver of the car] leaning back in his seat. He looked in a bad way."
