Elderly couple sent flying

Horrified bystanders watched as an elderly couple were skittled by a car in the main street of Wairoa.

The 69-year-old woman involved in yesterday's accident was flown to Hawke's Bay hospital with life-threatening injuries. However, a hospital spokeswoman today said she was in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.

The 72-year-old man also involved in the incident suffered an arm injury. He was treated and discharged.

The impact was so great that both were flipped over the roof of the vehicle, a witness said.

A 49-year-old man yesterday appeared in Wairoa District Court on a charge of driving dangerously causing injury. He was released on bail to appear again on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Mick Lander said it was possible the man would face further charges in relation to the crash. Speed and alcohol were believed to be factors in the collision.

- NZPA