A 69-year-old man, suffering a fractured hip and chest injuries, was flown to Tauranga hospital following a vehicle crash at Athenree this afternoon.

The man who was the front seat passenger of one of the vehicles involved was stabilised at the scene by paramedics, before being flown to Tauranga Hospital by the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter.

Earlier today, the rescue helicopter was dispatched by Tauranga Hospital for an emergency transfer of another 69-year-old man, who was suffering a serious cardiac event. He was flown to Waikato Hospital for specialist treatment.

Follow the link to the earlier story.