Injured ambulance duo back home

Emergency service workers had to free an injured ambulance officer trapped in his vehicle after the collision. Photo / NZ Herald

Two ambulance officers who were injured when their vehicle flipped and rolled after a collision with a car in downtown Auckland on Tuesday have left hospital.

The officers were taken to Auckland City Hospital in Grafton after their vehicle and the Audi collided at the intersection of Albert and Customs Sts about 6.30pm.

One suffered moderate injuries and the other minor injuries.

Both are now back home.

The ambulance, with its lights flashing and siren blaring, was on its way to help a woman who had collapsed when the collision occurred in the middle of the intersection.

One witness said it flew into the air and rolled, before ending up on its side.

The St John Ambulance regional operations manager, Murray Holt, said it was too early to say what caused the crash.

"Our thoughts right now are with the two ambulance officers who were involved in the accident.

"Our focus is on caring for the people involved."

The police serious crash unit was investigating the incident.

Mr Holt said crashes involving ambulances were rare.

He said St John had a good safety record, especially considering its ambulances travel more than 17 million kilometres a year.

- NZPA