A shearers' van crashed on an icy road near Lee Stream early yesterday, injuring five people, none of who were wearing seat belts.
Seven people were in the Toyota Hiace belonging to Michelle Shearing, of Milton, when it crashed on State Highway 87 between Lee Stream and Outram, shortly before dawn.
A police spokeswoman said police were called at 6.27am to the crash near Lee Stream Rd, where the van had left the road and ended up on its side down a bank.
A St John spokesman said two people with serious injuries were taken to hospital, along with three moderately injured people.
A person at the scene said all five injured people were not wearing seat belts.
Michelle Shearing co-owner Tony Michelle said it was the company's first serious crash in its 46 years of operation. He thanked emergency services for their assistance on a morning when the NZ Transport Agency was warning of black ice on the highway.
The van had all the requisite seat belts and Mr Michelle could offer no explanation as to why they were not worn.
''They're all adults.''
Three of the five injured people had been discharged, but two were still recovering in hospital, he said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Outram and Lookout Point also attended.
The police Serious Crash Unit had been notified.
-Additionally reported by Vaughan Elder
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I honestly thought that the days of people not wearing seatbelts was long gone, come on people wake up think of those who you could have leave behind. Wake up people life if not a game. When you are better I hope family members slap you on the neck and twist your ears so you learn.