Matamata ambulance hit and run crash

Police investigating last night's hit and run crash that left an ambulance with a seriously injured patient on board immobile will be reviewing security camera footage to help track down the offender.

Sergeant Neil Mansill of the Matamata Piako Strategic Traffic Unit said the crash happened about 5.05pm on Hinuera Rd, five kilometres south of Matamata near the intersection of Hopkins Rd.

"The ambulance was heading from Matamata towards SH29 with its emergency lights activated, transporting a patient with a serious head injury to Waikato Hospital, when the driver noticed an oncoming vehicle fail to negotiate a bend.

"The oncoming vehicle has ended up completely across the centreline, fortunately the ambulance had been travelling below the 100km/h speed limit and its driver was able to slow to about 20km/h before impact greatly reducing the impact and risk of injury to those onboard."

Mr Mansill said the ambulance was struck on its left hand side while the other vehicle, a utility, suffered damage to its front.

"Despite this damage the ute was been able to be driven off in the direction of Matamata and we're still seeking the driver.

"None of the ambulance crew were injured in the crash nor did the patient suffer further injury. The ambulance was unable to continue on its journey and the patient was transferred to another, arriving at the hospital without further incident."

Mr Mansill said the dark coloured utility would be quite distinctive and asked people in the wider Waikato to keep an eye out for it.

"We believe it to be a late model flat deck Toyota Hi-lux about two years old, coloured dark green with a metal dog box or large tool box on the deck.

"The ute had bull bars on the front which will have been hanging down following the crash and it is missing a headlight which Police recovered. The ute may also have suffered side panel damage."

Mr Mansill said Police were approaching several businesses in Matamata to obtain security camera footage of the utility travelling through the town.

"We'll also be in contact with Toyota dealers, the vehicle is the latest model and I imagine there wouldn't have been too many flat deck models sold.

"Our advice to the driver is that he or she should turn themselves in rather than having to face more serious consequences should Police have to locate them."

Anyone with any information on the identity of the driver of yesterday's crash is asked to contact the Matamata Police on 07 888 7117. Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the confidential Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.