Teen seriously injured at motocross event

A 17-year-old Mount Maunganui girl was seriously injured at a motocross event in Matata.

About 1pm yesterday, the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was called to Matata, where the girl had heavily crashed her motorbike.

Pilot Liam Brettkelly said the girl received hip, shoulder and lower back injuries as a result and was flown to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition.

The rescue helicopter was used because of the nature of the teen's injuries and the distance to hospital, Mr Brettkelly said.