By JO-MARIE BROWN
ROTORUA - An American tourist is in intensive care with head and neck injuries after a quad bike accident on the side of Mt Ngongotaha.
Occupational Safety and Health investigators went to Mountain Action trail rides yesterday to find out why the woman's bike left the road.
Mountain Action general manager Rick Vallance said the 18-year-old, who was in Auckland Hospital, appeared to have suffered a "freak accident" during an adventure tour on Sunday.
Mr Vallance said she fell about 10m down a bank after driving off a smooth mountain road with a gentle incline.
"It just appears that for some freak reason she drove off the road.
"I am confident that our staff followed the correct orientation for the group of nine tourists and implemented the correct safety procedures."
Before the tour began, safety instructions were given and participants practised driving the bikes on a track.
Crash helmets and protective clothing were supplied and the group was also accompanied by two experienced guides.
Mr Vallance said it was the first serious accident at the Fairy Springs premises.
Tourist suffers head injuries on adventure tour
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