Pedestrians pinned against power box by runaway van

Photo / Paul Harper

A woman suffered a broken leg after being pinned against a power box by an out of control van in central Auckland today.

Bystanders said the van rolled backwards around a corner and into the path of pedestrians crossing Albert St about midday.

It was believed the van's handbrake failed.

Most of the pedestrians jumped out of the way of the reversing vehicle, which had no driver.

However, two people were forced backward and briefly crushed against a power box on the footpath.

Glass from the vehicle's shattered rear window fell on the pair, a witness said.

One woman suffered a broken leg and was taken to Auckland Hospital.

Another patient was treated at the scene, he said.

Police were speaking to the van driver.

- HERALD ONLINE/APNZ