A shocking image of an upside-down ambulance - flipped by the sheer force of a driver who failed to give way - has been shared by Waikato Police in a bid to illustrate the impact of forgoing the road rules.
Waikato Police posted an alarming photo of the flipped ambulance - which had been transporting a patient to hospital - to draw attention to the dangers of failing to look both ways at a Give Way sign.
"Here's a photo from a crash that occurred recently in Te Kūiti," reads the caption. "An ambulance taking a patient to hospital was hit by a car that failed to give way.
"This crash reminds us of the importance of sticking to the road rules and to always stay alert.
"Please remember to look both ways before going at a Give Way sign because you never know what could be coming around the corner."
In a statement to Newshub on Wednesday, a police spokesperson said the incident occurred on November 29 on Ngārongo St in Te Kūiti.
The spokesperson confirmed the ambulance had been on its way to hospital with a patient onboard when the young driver collided with it.
Four people, including two St John staff members, were in the ambulance at the time of the crash. Three sustained minor wounds, but the patient escaped without further injury.
"Their condition did not deteriorate as a result of the crash. The original patient was transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital," said the spokesperson.
The driver also escaped without significant injuries and has been referred to Youth Aid in relation to the incident.
