Four people have been injured – one critically – following a two-car crash on State Highway 2 north of Waimana Gorge this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene on State Highway 2 East, between Stanley and Fraser roads, around 11.30am, police said.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson told 1News it responded with three ambulances, one rapid response unit, one manager and two helicopters.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two fire trucks to the scene – one from Whakatāne and another from Tāneatua.
One person was found trapped and had to be extricated from the vehicle, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.
Four people were assessed and treated at the scene.
Two people in a moderate condition and one person in a minor condition were taken to Whakatāne Hospital.
One person in a critical condition was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
Motorists have been advised to take alternative routes due to a blockage.
The road will remain closed for some time.
