A person has been taken to hospital in a moderate condition after their car left the road, crashing onto a North Otago beach. A Fire and Emergency spokesman said crews from Palmerston and Hampden responded to the incident on State Highway 1, near Hillgrove, about 12.50pm today. Initial reports had been of a more serious incident, but the single occupant was not trapped, the spokesman said. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one patient, in moderate condition, was being transported to Dunedin Hospital. A police spokeswoman said it appeared there was no significant road blockage at this stage.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 03, 2026 13:44 UTC