The scene of the accident in August. Photo: Police / supplied
Police are praising the quick-thinking actions of the public and the concern shown by both drivers involved in a collision in Hamilton last month.
On the morning of 25 August a van ran a red light at the intersection on Pukete and Wairere Drive, turning into the path of another vehicle, which had right of way.
The van tipped over, crushing the elderly driver's arm.
"Within seconds of the crash occurring, other road users came to the aid of both drivers, and when they realised that the driver was elderly and the van was trapping their arm, they quickly came together and as a group pushed the vehicle upright onto its wheels," Constable Jordyn Paekau said in a release on Wednesday.
With help from Hato-Hone St John and Fire and Emergency, the driver was treated at the scene. They were then taken to hospital, with the driver of the other vehicle, who suffered minor injuries.
"We were impressed at how the community came together to help one another during the incident and how both drivers showed concern for one another at the scene," Paekau said. "They were both in good spirits despite their ordeal."
Police said the outcome could have been much worse, and it was a timely reminder to check for other vehicles before driving through an intersection, even if you had right of way.
The van driver was issued with an Infringement Offence Notice.
