Rescue helicopter called to Opotiki

FILE

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Opotiki where a 61-year-old local woman had rolled her small truck in the Waioeka gorge this afternoon.

Low cloud prevented the rescue helicopter from flying to the scene so the patient was driven by St John Ambulance to the Opotiki airport and the awaiting Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter.

The woman had lower back injuries as a result and was flown to Whakatane for treatment.

The helicopter was called because of the nature of the incident and the distance to hospital.