Police praise rescuers and appeal for witnesses to Waikato tanker crash

While appealing for witnesses to come forward, Waikato Police investigating a truck crash north of Horsham Downs yesterday say two men trapped in the vehicle have a number of people to thank for their rescue.

Sergeant Neil Mansill of the Huntly Road Policing Unit said emergency services were called to the crash involving an articulated water tanker combination about 2.40pm on Lake Rd just south of the intersection with Kainui Rd.

"The truck, with two men onboard, was travelling north when it failed to negotiate a right hand corner and rolled, ending up on its side in a ditch with the roof of the cab hard up against a clay bank trapping the pair inside.

"Through the combined efforts of contractors from Williams Salvage, the Fire Service and St John Ambulance staff the pair were freed and stabilised at the scene to allow their transportation by ambulance to Waikato Hospital."

Mr Mansill said the 40-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries while his 63-year-old passenger's injuries were more serious and required surgery overnight.

"Both the Waikato Serious Crash and Commercial Vehicle Investigation Units are investigating the crash which could have had a far worse outcome had it not been for the actions of those people we've mentioned.

"At this point investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash and anyone with any information is asked to contact me at the Huntly Police Station on 07 828 0938."

Mr Mansill said with the period of late February to early April traditionally being a busy time for emergency services dealing with heavy vehicle crashes it is important to remind all motorists to drive with safety in mind.

"It's not about blame or about who is right and wrong when dealing with road trauma, its about learning from mistakes and doing everything we can as a community to ensure we prevent further harm."

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