Pongaroa Motor Vehicle Accident Victim Airlifted to Hospital

The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Pongoroa, east of Pahiatua, just after midnight to a single vehicle accident on SH 52. Poor weather at the scene prevented the helicopter accessing the accident site instead landing at the nearby township of Pongaroa. It is understood that one person died at the scene and two others were injured - the most serious with life threatening injuries that needed to be stabilised at the scene before being transferred by a St John Ambulance road ambulance to the waiting rescue helicopter for onwards airlift to Palmerston North Hospital. The helicopter was used due to the serious nature of the injuries and distance to hospital. Local police and fire attended the accident. The mission was flown with the crew using night vision goggles

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website rescue.org.nz

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