One injured after truck slides off State Highway 2 near Gisborne

A person was left with moderate injuries after the truck they were driving came off State Highway 2 near Gisborne and slid down a bank.

Emergency services responded to the crash about 1.5 kilometres south of Bartletts, in the Whareratas, about 7am today.

“The truck, carrying some roading material, was heading to Gisborne, when the driver lost control of it,” a senior firefighter said.

“It came to rest on its side on a forestry road.“

The driver was flown by Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter to Gisborne Hospital.

A St John ambulance spokesman said the man sustained “moderate” injuries.

“He was extremely lucky not to have been seriously hurt,” a senior firefighter said.

SH2 remained open at the crash scene.

Firefighters from Gisborne and Manutūkē responded, along with police, St John and the rescue chopper.