“He was flown out last night to Waikato Hospital after being initially treated in the emergency department at Gisborne Hospital,” the police spokesman said.
“We have a serious crash inquiry under way.
“At this stage it appears speed and alcohol might have been factors in the crash.”
Fire and Emergency NZ also attended the accident and took care of scene protection while the injured man was treated by ambulance staff.
A Waikato Hospital spokeswoman said this morning the man was admitted to the intensive care unit.
“He remains in a critical condition.”
The trailer the man’s vehicle struck was badly damaged and its load of firewood was scattered across the road and footpath.
Soon after the crash, Ormond Road was closed off by emergency services at the Wi Pere roundabout as far as Foster and Tyler.
It remained closed for at least an hour as police began their inquiry.
