Two in hospital after serious crash in Whangamata

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a crash in Otahu Road, Whangamata.

Whangamata is hosting a weekend-long Beach Hop, an annual event that attracts large crowds and large numbers of car enthusiasts.

Reports from the scene indicate that a speeding car lost control and slid into a group of people in the front yard of a house.

Two of this group appear to have been dragged a considerable distance before the car finally came to rest.

Initial reports of fatalities are not correct.

One of the people struck has been flown to Waikato Hospital with moderate injuries and a passenger in the vehicle has been taken by ambulance, also with moderate injuries.

Two others have been treated at the scene for less serious injuries.

The driver of the car was not reported to have been injured and has been arrested on driving-related charges.

Police Inspector Glen Dunbier, Thames Area Commander and Officer in Charge of Operation Beachhop 2008, said that it is incredibly fortunate that there were no fatalities as a result of the driving.

He is at pains to stress that the occupants of vehicle involved were not Beachhop participants and that those taking part in the event have, without exception been well organised and behaved.

He urges everyone in town for the event to take extra care when travelling around the town in the congested conditions.