Wednesday, February 23, 2011

New Zealand - Overtaking van forces biker off Road..

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/4683433/Overtaking-van-forces-biker-off
A motorcyclist was seriously injured when he was forced to ditch his bike in the face of an overtaking oncoming van near Okaramio on Friday, police say.
Constable Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said police were seeking a white Toyota van with signwriting on the side, which was towing a small trailer. There were three passengers in the front of the van.
A 50-year-old Nelson man suffered serious arm and head injuries in the crash about 1.20pm, and was flown to Nelson Hospital by the Summit rescue helicopter.


Nelson Marlborough District Health Board communications manager Katherine Rock said the man was in a comfortable condition in hospital this morning.
Miss Stagg said the motorcyclist was near the back of a group of five bikers travelling towards Blenheim when the group swerved off the road to avoid a van, which was passing a truck travelling towards Nelson.
The man was forced to dump his bike, otherwise he would have been hit by the van, she said.
There was no contact between his bike and the van, she said. The van driver did not stop. Witnesses said the driver would have known what happened.
The crash reduced State Highway 6 to one lane for about a hour.
The Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance and police attended.
Anyone with information should contact Blenheim police on 035785279.