Paramedics hurt when ambulance blows over in New Zealand
Vehicle blew over attending a crash in which a van had been blown on its side in severe winds
The Dominion Post
FEATHERSTONE, New Zealand — Three emergency workers were injured when an ambulance blew over attending a crash in which a van had been blown on its side in severe winds.
Police advised motorists to take extreme care as the Wellington region was lashed by gales yesterday.
But the warning came too late for the ambulance attending an accident near Cross Creek Rd, in Wairarapa, where a gust overturned a van, trapping the driver.
When the Wairarapa District Health Board-operated ambulance reached the site, south of Featherston, just after 5pm, it too was blown over by a massive gust.
One of two female paramedics broke her ankle when the ambulance rolled.
The second paramedic suffered only bruising despite being pinned by her leg under the ambulance for about 30 minutes before the vehicle was righted by fire officers.
A fireman also broke his ankle during the incident. The three emergency workers were taken to Masterton Hospital.
The driver of the van also suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.
MetService forecaster Heath Gullery said a 135kmh gust was recorded at the Rimutaka Hill summit about 4pm yesterday. The strongest blast in Wellington city was 125kmh, at 6pm in Kelburn.
Joggers Paul Harmer and Alice Sneyd were not put off by the weather but found it tough going near Pt Jerningham.
"I have been running around there for the past five years and that is about as bad as it's been," Mr Harmer said. "It was like running into a wall of wind."
MetService said wind warnings were likely to be in place until lunchtime.
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