Unbelted teen driver lucky' to be walking
A Hampden teenager who was airlifted to hospital after a crash on Wednesday was not wearing a seatbelt, police say.
Two people were flown to Dunedin Hospital after a two-car crash at the intersection of Seven Mile and Papakaio roads at about 12.40pm.
Oamaru police Constable Anton Perham said a 19-year-old Hampden man, travelling along Papakaio Rd, collided with another vehicle at about 12.40pm on Wednesday.
The Hampden teenager, who sustained neck and leg injuries, and a 31-year-old Waimate woman, who had been trapped in one of the vehicles, were flown to Dunedin Hospital.
The 19-year-old, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was released from hospital yesterday.
"He's walking and talking with a few bruises and cuts," Mr Perham said. "He's very lucky and pretty silly to not wear a seatbelt."
The Waimate woman, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered a broken jaw and was due to undergo surgery last night.
Both vehicles sustained massive crash damage, Mr Perham said.
The two drivers had no passengers in their vehicles.
POLICE LIST
A fence on Caledonian Rd, with a white stone column attached to it, was pushed over on Wednesday night.
Also on Wednesday night, a rubbish bin, at the rear of the vacant building by Countdown, was set alight.
