Toddler hurt in central city crash

Police have praised members of the public for their fast reactions in helping rescue a child from an overturned ute.

The Toyota Hilux was thrown on to its side from the force of a crash on Fenton St, Rotorua, about 5.45pm yesterday.

A young girl was taken to hospital with minor injuries, including cuts to her head. The man who was with her was unhurt. The elderly driver of the other vehicle was visibly shaken.

Sergeant Pauline Jones of the Strategic Traffic Unit said the Hilux had been travelling towards the city centre when it appeared the other vehicle, a Mitsubishi Lancer, had pulled out of Victoria St.

"It hit the Hilux, causing it to flip and land on its side," she said.

"Members of the public stopped to help and someone from Burger King ran down the street and pulled the girl from the car."

Police will continue to investigate the crash today.

"People need to remember that it's getting darker earlier. By 5.30pm it's quite dark and we need to slow down."

A nearby petrol station worker also raced to the scene. The man, who did not want to be named, was on a break when he "heard a bang".

"I just heard a noise and headed over to help. I took over the first aid kit to the guy and little girl. It looked like they needed help the most. She was only a toddler, aged less than 2 I think. She looked all right but she had cuts to her head."

Police, fire and ambulance staff were all in attendance. Both northbound Fenton St lanes were blocked for about half an hour while emergency services cleared the scene of fuel and debris. Southbound Fenton St was reduced to one lane until tow trucks removed the two vehicles.