Stranded travellers taken by tank

Ruapehu Bulletin, 22 June 1993, Page 6 (Supplement)

Stranded travellers taken by tank

Around 280 people were rescued by the Army from the Desert Road last Friday after snow-falls as deep as 40 centimetres had prevented them from journeying any further. Travellers had become stranded from as early as 2pm on State Highway One, north of Waiouru. The Army, co-operat-ing with local police, began rescue operations at around 3.30pm. when it became apparent that the road was impassable. The Army deployed 12 tracked vehicles and 10 wheeled vehicles in the rescue operation. One hundred and sixty people were transported directly to Waiouru, while the remaining 120 were taken to Turangi. The Army were also able to assist those who could be pushed out of the snow and set on their way again. Throughout the afternoon graders were sent out to make the road more passable. In the meantime the majority of the stranded visitors were taken back to the Waiouru Army Camp where they were given

hot meals and drinks before being transported to Ohakune for a night's accommodation. The travellers praised the Army's swift action and diligent efforts saying the treatment they re-

ceived was excellent. In his address to the travellers, Senior Sergeant Mike Deane of the Taihape Police urged them to make contact with relatives and next of kin to let people

know they were safe. The road was not to be opened on Saturday morning until all the stranded vehicles had been cleared and set on their way. Safety and security of the vehicles

was paramount, Snr Sgt Deane said. In the interests of safety many had had to leave their luggage with their vehicles during the fast-paced rescue. Others stranded in transit commented

that "all they had with them were their clothes, not even a toothbrush." The return operation on Saturday was co-or-dinated from the Ohakune Police Station.

Army vehicles transported the unexpected visitors back to their vehicles and rendered mechanical assistance where necessary to once again set the travellers on their way.