Christel Yardley/Stuff
Police were called to the Oceanview Speedway track after a driver crashed and became trapped in a stock car.
An investigation is underway into an incident where a stock car driver became trapped in his vehicle at a Whanganui speedway on Sunday.
Karen McDonald, manager of the fire and emergency service, said crews were called to Oceanview Speedway around 6:45 p.m. Sunday to help extract a driver from a vehicle.
Hato Hone St John also responded with an ambulance, rapid response vehicle and helicopter.
“We assessed and treated one person who was transported by road to Whanganui Base Hospital in critical condition,” a St. John media spokesperson said.
READ MORE:
* Person in critical condition airlifted to Wellington Hospital after serious accident
* Racer critical after Oreti Speedway crash
* Driver remains in hospital after SH45 crash
A media spokesman for Whanganui Hospital said the patient had been transferred to Wellington Hospital in critical condition on Sunday evening.
On Monday, a Wellington Hospital media spokesperson said the driver was in serious condition in intensive care.
Oceanview Speedway general manager Aaron Kirby said details about the incident were limited as an investigation had begun into what happened.
“A full investigation is underway, we take this health and safety issue extremely seriously.
“We are currently in contact with the family as Speedway New Zealand, this is just tragic.”
Kirby said it was a normal event but couldn’t say where the driver was from.
He said the track was closed immediately after the incident until police said it was safe to reopen.
“The track was opened that night and it was announced to the participants whether they wanted to continue, after the police gave the green light for the track.
“Everything went well with all due respect to the family and the driver.”
A police media spokesperson said WorkSafe had been notified.