Seatbelts save vineyard workers

Police say seatbelts saved the life of eight vineyard workers after the van they were travelling in hit an iron bridge after the driver tried to avoid a cyclist on Waihopai Valley Rd.

Three fire engines and two St John ambulances were called to the scene on Friday at 4.30pm.

Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Grant Flynn said the van was close to ending up in the river.

Ambulances took some of the injured to hospital with bruising.

Constable Ian Mills of Blenheim police said the seven men and one women were wearing seatbelts which "saved the day".

Mr Mills said police were still investigating the cause, but it appeared the driver saw a cyclist on the bridge and slammed on the brakes, which locked and sent the van into the side of the bridge.

"Hitting the bridge was the best luck they had," Mr Mills said.

The cyclist was not hit by the van but was shaken.

Police had not decided whether charges would be laid.