Following a crash in Hamilton, a group of road users worked together to push a van upright after they noticed it was crushing the driver’s arm.
The incident took place at around 9am on August 25, when the driver of a van was turning at the intersection on Pukete and Wairere Drive.
The driver missed the red traffic signal and crashed into an oncoming vehicle which had the right of way.
“This resulted in the van tipping over, crushing the elderly van driver’s arm,” Constable Jordyn Paekau said.
“Within seconds” of the crash, other road users came to help both drivers.
When they realised the van driver’s arm was trapped, they worked as a group to push the tipped van back on its wheels.
“Along with a fast response from FENZ, Hato-Hone St John and quick-thinking members of the public, the injured driver was able to be treated immediately,” Paekau said.
Peakau said police were “impressed” at how the community came together “and how both drivers showed concern for one another at the scene”.
“They were both in good spirits despite their ordeal.”
The van driver was taken to hospital for treatment on their arm. They were joined by the driver of the other vehicle, who had minor injuries.
“It’s a timely reminder to always take a second look at intersections and keep a look out for other vehicles even though you have the right of way,” Paekau said.
“Things could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the quick thinking of other motorists and witnesses at the scene. We are grateful to those members of the public for their attentive and caring response to the situation.”
The driver of the van was issued with an infringement offence notice.
