Girl critical after quad bike accident

A young girl is in a critical condition after the quad bike she was on with four drunk adults veered down a bank late last night.

The 6-year-old suffered serious head injuries from the crash that happened on Okaihau Road near Waimarama Beach, south of Hastings, about 11.20pm.

She and her 28-year-old father, who suffered a badly broken leg were flown to Hawkes Bay Regional Hospital.

Three other adults on the bike, two men and a woman, aged between 22 and 28-years-old were also taken to hospital by ambulance with dislocated hips, broken legs, broken arms and suspected head injuries, Senior Sergeant Luke Shadbolt said.

Their injuries, while serious, were not considered to be life threatening.

"All four adults appeared to be intoxicated and were riding an overloaded quad bike that was not designed to carry that many passengers," he said.

"We are lucky that no-one died as a result of this incident.

"It is a real shame that a 6-year-old girl has to suffer due to the stupidity of the adults that were supposed to be looking after her."

Waimarama Volunteer Fire Officers and police based at the beach for the holiday period initially helped at the scene, along with St John ambulance staff.