Speed and alcohol may have been factors in a crash on the
outskirts of Hamilton this morning that has left a woman
fighting for her life, police say.
The woman, who was not believed to have been wearing a
seatbelt, thrown from a ute when it crashed and rolled about
100m at Templeview about 5.30am.
Waikato road policing manager Acting Inspector Jeff Penno
said the woman, believed to be in her 20s, was sitting
between the male driver and a male passenger when the vehicle
failed to negotiate a bend.
"It appears the driver had been drinking and initial
indications are that the woman, who was thrown clear of the
vehicle as it rolled, was not restrained," he said.
She suffered critical injuries and was taken to Waikato
Hospital.
The driver suffered minor injuries and the other passenger
was moderately injured.
Police were speaking to the driver.
"We would be looking at three of the fatal five factors
coming into play - speed, booze and belts - and if this woman
loses her life it would be a senseless waste of life,'' Mr
Penno said.
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