Injured trail-bike rider transferred to Melbourne

A TEENAGER being treated for spinal injuries after a trailbike crash in the state’s North has been moved to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

The 16-year-old is being treated for spinal injuries, cuts to his face and multiple fractures.

A Launceston General Hospital spokesperson said they could not comment on the man’s condition, but it was likely he needed to be in a larger trauma centre and needed a higher level of care.

The man was flown to the Launceston General Hospital by helicopter on Saturday after the accident in sand dunes at the Sandy Point Conservation Area near Bridport.

Emergency crews were called to the scene where the trail-bike rider was being treated by friends and family until paramedics arrived.

Police said the man’s condition was not considered to be life-threatening.

The incident became a search and rescue job as the man’s remote location made it difficult for him to be found.

The Hobart Westpac Rescue helicopter was called in to help in the search.

Police issued a caution to those using recreational vehicles and vessels over the Christmas break to be aware of their limitations and capabilities in using them.

“This includes appropriate licensing and registration,” police said in a statement.