Seven people have been injured, including children, after a serious two-vehicle crash in Waipu, Northland on Wednesday.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, which resulted in two people being left in a critical condition.
A police spokesperson said the two-vehicle crash on Cove Road occurred at around 1:34pm.
"Initial indications suggest seven people have been injured. Two are reported to be in a critical condition and five are in a serious condition," the spokesperson said.
St John has transferred the patients to Starship and Northland Hospital.
One nearby resident said she didn't see the accident but had seen at least three helicopters.
She said the road is straight and described the current conditions as "sunny and good". The road is a 80km/hr zone.
The woman said the scene of the crash "looked a bit fatal".
Part of Cove Road has been closed and diversions are being put in place. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said vehicles travelling between Whangārei and Kaiwaka should use Paparoa Oakleigh Road.
“The road is currently closed in both directions with police onsite now. While we don’t yet have a timeframe for reopening, we will provide further updates as soon as we can," Director Regional Relationships Steve Mutton said.
He said Wednesday marks the first day of the second closure block of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills, following a six-day re-opening over the Easter break.
“This is the last thing we want to see on our roads. I can’t encourage people enough to drive to the conditions, slow down and take extra care as you adapt to taking a different route," Mutton said.
"Variable message signs are in place and light vehicles will need to detour via Paparoa Oakleigh Road and heavy trucks and HPMV's must use State Highways 12 and 14 through Dargaville and on to Whangārei."
Traffic management is currently moving detour traffic around and back onto Cove Road.
The woman said the scene of the crash "looked a bit fatal".
Cove Road is now closed, and diversions are being put in place. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says vehicles travelling between Whangārei and Kaiwaka should use Paparoa Oakleigh Road.
“The road is currently closed in both directions with police onsite now. While we don’t yet have a timeframe for reopening, we will provide further updates as soon as we can," Director Regional Relationships Steve Mutton said.
“Today marks the first day of the second closure block of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills, following a six day re-opening over the Easter break."
“This is the last thing we want to see on our roads. I can’t encourage people enough to drive to the conditions, slow down and take extra care as you adapt to taking a different route," he said.
“Variable message signs are in place and light vehicles will need to detour via Paparoa Oakleigh Road and heavy trucks and HPMV’s must use State Highways 12 and 14 through Dargaville and on to Whangārei."
Traffic management is currently moving detour traffic around and back onto Cove Road.
