Gold Coast crash rescue effort cuts power

Seven people have escaped with only minor injuries after their four wheel drive crashed down an embankment and knocked out power to 1490 Gold Coast properties.

Police say the vehicle, which belonged to a hot-air ballooning company, veered off Nerang-Murwillumbah Road at Clagiraba in the Gold Coast hinterland about 7.30am on Tuesday.

The vehicle flattened a tree which then caused power lines to fall across its trailer.

Energex had to cut power to 1490 customers for almost an hour during the subsequent rescue operation, which saw three of the passengers trapped in the vehicle until after 9am.

Three patients were taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital while another three were taken to the Gold Coast Hospital at Robina, the Queensland Ambulance Service said.

All were in a stable condition with only minor injuries including neck, abdominal and rib pain.

One person was assessed for a possible back injury.