A person was trapped in a car for more than an hour after the vehicle crashed and rolled near Whakatane.
Northern Fire Communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said although it only took Matata firefighters nine minutes to get to the crash scene on Withy Rd, Manawhe - between Matata and Edgecumbe - the extraction of the driver was a delicate procedure.
Phillips said the car ended up on its side after the 6.08am crash; however, because of the driver's injuries, firefighters needed to take their time getting them out.
The driver - the sole occupant - was eventually freed about 7.25am after a hole was cut through the car roof. The person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
