Ute pushed 60m up Northland highway after being shunted into path of logging truck

A ute was shunted into the path of an oncoming logging truck when it was hit by an empty logging truck travelling behind it. Photo/John Stone

A ute was pushed 60 metres up a Northland highway when an empty logging truck hit the back of the vehicle shunting it into the path of an oncoming fully-laden logging truck.

Inspector Wayne Ewers, Northland road policing manager, said the three vehicle collision happened about 1.30pm yesterdayat the intersection of State Highway 14 and Whatitiri Rd, Maungatapere.

Mr Ewers said a double cab ute, which was travelling towards Dargaville, had indicated to turn right into Whatitiri Rd and stopped to give way to a fully laden logging truck travelling in the opposite direction.

"An empty logging truck travelling behind [the ute] hasn't been able to stop in time and it's hit the back of him and shunted him across the road into the path of the fully laden logging truck," Mr Ewers said.

Mr Ewers said the ute was then pushed 50 to 60 metres back up the highway.

The ute driver was trapped and the doors of the vehicle were cut off to free him.

He was transported to hospital by St John ambulance with moderate head and chest injuries which included a cut to his head.

The driver of the fully laden logging truck was also taken to hospital with minor chest injuries. Mr Ewers said he had been drifting in and out of consciousness.

Mr Ewers said police would be investigating the crash.

"There's witness statements being taken so after we've done all of that we will look at it and decide what charges, if any, are made."

Mr Ewers said it was a reminder to people to ensure they have enough time to stop.

"You never know what is going to happen in front of you so it's travelling at the correct speed to be able to stop in time. It's concentration and keeping the concentration up and travelling at a speed where you can safely stop, especially at intersections," he said.

The crash comes after a fully laden logging truck had to be removed by a crane after it crashed off Otaika Valley Rd, SH15 last month following torrential rain.

Last May, after three logging truck crashes in seven weeks, residents aired their concerns at a public meeting.