Icy road warning after crash

File photo / Daily Post

Police are warning motorists to take care on icy roads after a man suffered serious injuries when his car slammed into a bridge in Tongariro National Park this morning.

The man in his mid-30s was cut from the car after he crashed into the barrier of the Whakapapanui bridge on State Highway 48, several kilometres from Whakapapa village at the base of Mt Ruapehu, about 7.45am.

"He's lost control on the icy road and slipped across and hit the barrier on the bridge," Constable Conrad Smith said.

"It just highlights the need to drive slowly and carefully in shaded areas when the sun is not on the road and it's all icy."

The Youthtown Trust rescue helicopter was called about 8am and the man was flown to Wanganui Hospital, where he is in a serious condition.

- NZPA