Car crashes put several in hospital

An Alexandra woman was treated and discharged from Lakes District Hospital yesterday morning after being cut from the wreckage of a car on Saturday.

A 12-year-old boy, believed to be her relation, was in the passenger seat.

The boy, from Lake Hayes Estate, did not have to be cut from the vehicle.

He was also taken to hospital for assessment, but was not admitted.

Acting Sergeant Blair Duffy, of Queenstown, said at the scene police were trying to establish the cause of the incident.

However, the 65-year-old woman's vehicle appeared to have crossed the centre line and then smashed into a tree on the northern grass verge of Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway, near Lake Hayes Estate, about 3pm.

Firefighters from Frankton and Arrowtown volunteer brigades cut the woman free.

She was transported by a Queenstown St John ambulance to hospital for treatment for chest injuries and stayed overnight on Saturday.

It was not yet known if icy road conditions, or speed were factors in the incident.

Both occupants were wearing seatbelts, Acting Sgt Duffy said.

It was "fortunate" no other vehicle was involved, he said.