Man injured after van collides with cows

Photo / Supplied

A man who survived a head-on collision between his van and five cows was flown to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition this morning.

The 47-year-old Whakatane man was travelling along State Highway 35 about 10km east of Opotiki when the van he was driving hit the herd. He suffered leg fractures and lacerations.

The Tauranga-based TECT Rescue Helicopter flew to the scene about 7am.

The van's male passenger was also injured and taken to Whakatane Hospital with leg injuries.

Pilot Liam Brettkelly said the front of the van was "stoved right in".

"It's a miracle that they survived, particularly being in a van.

"In a van you have no protection. I'm amazed they lived to tell the story," he said.

The area of highway where the collision occurred was a fairly straight stretch of 100km/h road "but it was fairly dark at the time".

Four of the cows were killed instantly. One had to be put down at the scene.

It's understood the beef cattle were wandering.