mmg.com.au

A Shepparton man was flown to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne yesterday with serious leg injuries after a go-kart he was driving veered into an embankment and struck a tree. Shepparton police Constable Dani Oliverson said the man was driving the go-kart along a track near Mooroopna Railway Station on Young St when he allegedly lost control on the gravel about 2pm.

Const Oliverson said the man drove into the embankment and struck a tree, sustaining serious leg injuries.

She said he was not wearing a helmet and was wearing shorts and a T-shirt.

Shepparton Highway Patrol Sergeant Jeffrey Kyne yesterday said the crash reinforced the importance of safety protection when undertaking a hobby.

‘‘We need to be properly equipped when we do it, wearing the right footwear, helmets, trousers or jackets. When things go wrong, you get hurt,’’ Sgt Kyne said.

Const Oliverson said factors contributing to the crash were unknown and investigations were continuing.

She said the man’s two young children and an ex-partner witnessed the incident.

Nearby workers from United Group Infrastructure said they were working alongside the railway line when they heard yells for help.

However, they said they did not see the incident.

Country Fire Authority Mooroopna firefighter and incident controller Leonard Balfour said CFA members were on scene helping paramedics.

They were also on stand-by in case the go-kart ignited, Mr Balfour said.

Shepparton police, paramedics, Mooroopna and Shepparton Country Fire Authority and Shepparton Search and Rescue were called to retrieve the man — and his red and black go-kart from the ditch.

Anyone with information is urged to phone Shepparton police on 58205777.