A Hamilton jogger is in Auckland Hospital with critical head injuries after an accident in the city today where she collided with a cyclist.
The woman, a 51-year-old Japanese national living in Hamilton, was running through an underpass at the intersection of Wairere Drive and River Rd when she collided head-on with a man on a bicycle.
The bicycle was coming down a slight hill at the time and had gathered some speed. The two collided on a blind corner in the underpass.
Police say the accident occurred around 9am and initial indications were that there was no malice involved on the part of the cyclist. At this stage, the incident is being considered an accident. The underpass and connecting walkways are both pedestrian and cycle accessways.
Ambulance officers say the woman showed no outward signs of injury when they arrived at the scene, but her condition deteriorated markedly when she was admitted to Waikato Hospital's emergency department. She was immediately flown by the Westpac rescue helicopter to Auckland Hospital.
Police are looking for the male cyclist involved in the accident. He helped the woman and stayed with her until ambulance staff arrived. He then left the area.
Police say there is no specific description of him, but he has a grazed chin and possibly a swollen face as a result of the accident.
A number of other people had gathered at the scene after the accident and police would also like to speak to them.
Anyone with information about the accident should contact Constable Rachel Elers at East Hamilton police, phone 07 8560291.