An Auckland man was impaled on a tree yesterday after being flung from his motorbike during a motocross race.
The 31-year-old was in a serious condition in Waikato Hospital last night but was in a stable condition this morning after undergoing surgery, hospital spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill said.
Youthtown Rescue Helicopter pilot
Todd Dunham said the man was racing in an enduro event in Kurutau, near Turangi.
He was racing downhill on a rough, muddy forestry road when he crashed and was flung into the waist-high branch.
It cut through his throat, leaving serious injuries.
"It is a fresh forestry road and the branch had been broken off, but was still attached to the tree, about a couple of feet [60cm] long," Mr Dunham said.
"He extricated himself from it, and then collapsed."
A following motorcyclist found the rider at the edge of the track.
Two paramedics on standby at the event stabilised the Aucklander, who was conscious when he was loaded into the rescue helicopter and flown to Waikato Hospital.
Mr Dunham said the man's wounds were extensive and likely to require a long period of recovery.
"He was not in a good state, and he is going to be serious for a while.
"You see these injuries and you wonder how he's ever going to get over it."
