A co-ordinated expert response from emergency services saved the lives of two people today after the truck they were in crashed in the Manawatu Gorge, says Inspector Sarah Stewart, Manawatu Area Commander.
“Our officers along with all the emergency services at the scene put their lives at risk today to rescue the man and woman who were in the truck. The flying from the pilot of the Philips Trust Helicopter was incredible and the co-ordinated response from the Palmerston North City
Council rescue team along with fire, ambulance and police services was life-saving,” said Inspector Stewart.
Senior Constable Ross Andrew and Constable Simon Ashton from Palmerston North were the first people on the scene and immediately went to the aid of the two people in the truck which had gone off the road and over 50 metres down a bank into the gorge.
The female passenger was rescued from the cab first followed by the driver. The officers stayed with the driver in the water for approximately one hour keeping his head above water until the rescue helicopter arrived.
The rescue involved a paramedic being winched down from the helicopter to the crash site for the driver and passenger. After this one of the officers was winched out while the other was able to climb out of the gorge with the help of ropes and other staff.
The driver and passenger of the truck were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment for their injuries. Both Police officers were also taken to hospital where they were treated for hypothermia before being released this evening.
“I am incredibly proud of the actions of both officers, they are heroes. They went above and beyond the call of duty and put their lives at risk to save the life of the truck driver and his passenger,” said Inspector Stewart.
Following the crash both lanes through the gorge were closed to traffic. At 5pm this evening the road was reopened but was under temporary traffic management overnight, with the road near the crash site reduced to one lane and controlled by traffic lights.
ENDS
Media note: A video, which is also on the Central District Police Facebook page, is available on request from media@police.govt.nz
