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Home / New Zealand

Truck driver hurt in Hampden, Otago crash faces months of recovery, surgeries

NZ Herald
15 Apr, 2026 07:51 PM2 mins to read

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NZ Herald Headlines | Trump says war is 'very close to being over', fuel supplies continue to drop | Thursday, April 16, 2026

A truck driver is facing months of recovery time after being seriously injured in a two-truck collision on State Highway 1 in North Otago.

The crash happened around 7.30am on Monday near Mile Flat Rd in Hampden, on State Highway 1, when two trucks collided.

Emergency services responded with ambulance crews, a rescue helicopter and Fire and Emergency units.

One person was freed from the wreckage and airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.

The road was later reopened after significant disruption.

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The injured driver has been named in a fundraising page as Craig Clapperton, from Palmerston.

According to a Givealittle page set up by a family member, Clapperton has suffered multiple serious fractures and is having surgery for extensive injuries.

One person was critically injured in the two truck crash in Palmerston last week. Photo / Givealittle
One person was critically injured in the two truck crash in Palmerston last week. Photo / Givealittle

The page states he faces a long recovery of around six to nine months.

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It says his injuries include multiple broken bones and that he will require ongoing surgery and rehabilitation in the coming months.

The fundraiser also notes the crash will create significant financial pressure on Clapperton and his partner, Kelly, including repeated travel between Palmerston and Dunedin, hospital stays, accommodation costs and rehabilitation expenses.

While ACC is expected to provide some support, the Givealittle page says it will not cover the full cost of recovery, particularly as the family will be without an income for a period of time.

Funds raised will go toward fuel, accommodation, rehabilitation and basic living costs while Clapperton recovers.

The appeal has drawn widespread support from friends, family and the local golfing community, with many describing Clapperton as a well-known and valued member of the Island Park Golf Club.

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Dozens of messages from friends, teammates and the wider community, have been shared on social media.

Police say that inquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

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