Ambulance blown over by gales in Wairarapa

An ambulance blew over attending a crash in which a van had been blown on its side in severe winds.

Police advised motorists to take extreme care as the Wellington region was lashed by gales yesterday.

But the warning came too late for the ambulance attending an accident near Cross Creek Rd, in Wairarapa, where a gust overturned a van, trapping the driver.

When the Wairarapa DHB-operated ambulance reached the site, south of Featherston, just after 5pm, it too was blown over by a massive gust.

An ambulance spokesman said two paramedics and an observer were in it when it rolled.

"The two paramedics suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Masterton Hospital by another vehicle sent to the site."

The driver of the van also suffered minor to moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.

The overturned ambulance was righted last night. The damage will be assessed today.

MetService forecaster Heath Gullery said a 135kmh gust was recorded at the Rimutaka Hill summit about 4pm yesterday. The strongest blast in Wellington city was 125kmh, at 6pm in Kelburn.

"People should be aware that winds of this strength make roads dangerous and can damage insecure structures and roofs."

Joggers Paul Harmer and Alice Sneyd were not put off by the weather but found it tough going near Pt Jerningham.

"I have been running around there for the past five years and that is about as bad as it's been," Mr Harmer said. "It was like running into a wall of wind."

MetService said wind warnings were likely to be in place until lunchtime.

- © Fairfax NZ News