Lucky escape for tanker driver

A driver of a mini tanker full of diesel had a lucky escape after a collision between her tanker and an unladen logging truck.

The crash happened at the intersection of Boundary Rd and Pukeroa Rd in the Kaingaroa Forest this morning.

Northern fire communications shift manager Scott Osmond said six fire appliances from both Rotorua and Taupo were sent, although some were turned back before arriving at the scene.

Taupo fire station officer John Gradwell said the woman who was driving the mini tanker had a lucky escape.

He said the site of the crash was about 40 minutes in on forestry roads and it took "a long time" for help to get there.

"The geographical isolation meant there were a few barriers."

While the mini tanker was full of diesel, Mr Gradwell said the fuel didn't catch alight as easily as petrol. "It takes a considerable amount of energy to catch fire."

Forestry contractors at the scene had managed to get the woman out of the truck before fire crews arrived.

Because they were first on the scene, Mr Gradwell said fire crews provided first aid and made sure the scene was safe while they waited for ambulance and police to arrive.

He said the driver of the truck was uninjured but shaken.

Taupo St John Ambulance transported the woman to hospital with moderate to minor injuries.

She remained in Rotorua Hospital yesterday. Police are investigating the crash.