Car crashes into tree blocking lane

A car crashed on the main road between Rotorua and Whakatane after hitting a tree that had fallen down, blocking the road.

The crash happened on State Highway 30 near Kawerau about 7.30am yesterday at the beginning of the Rotomas.

Whakatane police Sergeant Al Fenwick said he believed the tree had fallen on the road and an "unlucky" driver had driven into it, damaging the car.

He said the driver of the vehicle was not injured and fire and ambulance did not attend.

Mr Fenwick said no other cars were involved in the crash and police had cleared the scene, with a tow truck on its way to remove the vehicle at 8.25am.

Rotoma Fire Service chief fire officer John Sandison said he passed the crash on his way home from work.

He said the small car had a damaged bonnet and a cracked window screen.

Mr Sandison said the tree was relatively small and had blocked one side of the busy road, the lane going towards Rotorua.