Six people have been injured – two seriously – following a two-vehicle crash in Ōpōtiki this afternoon.
Police say they were called to the collision on State Highway 2 near Dunlop Rd in Waiotahe around 2pm.
“initial indications suggest five patients are being assessed and treated,” a Hato Hone St John spokesperson told 1News.
It responded with three ambulances, three helicopters, one rapid response unit, one patient transfer vehicle, and one manager.
Three people in a moderate condition and one person in a serious condition were taken to Whakatāne Hospital.
One person was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition, while another was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
Three fire crews were called to the scene to extract passengers, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.
The serious crash unit has been advised.
SH2 is blocked and diversions are in place.