Four people have died after a two-car crash near Rotorua last night.
Emergency services were alerted to the crash on State Highway 5 near Whakarewarewa at about 7.50pm yesterday.
The collision involved two cars carrying seven people, a police spokesperson said this morning.
“Police can now advise that four people have died,” the spokesperson said.
“Three people died at the scene of the crash, one died in hospital after having been transported in a critical condition.
“Two people remain in hospital, one in a critical condition and one in a serious condition.”
Investigations into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, the spokesperson added.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said three ambulances, three operations managers and two rapid response units attended the scene.
“Four patients were transported to Rotorua Hospital, two in critical condition, one in a serious condition, and one in a moderate condition.”
Road closure for scene investigation
Police said a section of State Highway 5 would be closed this afternoon as investigators conduct further inquiries around the crash scene.
State Highway 5 would be closed between Waipa Mill Rd and 8 Mile Gate from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
NZTA said the road would be closed to “enable a serious crash investigation”.
“Plan your journey accordingly or allow extra time for a detour using Waikite Valley Rd & Whirinaki Valley Rd between Waiotapu & Horohoro.”
Police also appealed for information from anyone who was travelling on State Highway 5 between Rotorua and Taupō from 6.30pm to 8.30pm last night.
Anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the crash could contact police on 105.
