Seriously injured motorists recovering in Tauranga Hospital after SH2 crash

Three cars were involved in the crash yesterday afternoon. Photo/ Andrew Warner

Two women are in intensive care at Tauranga Hospital after a serious crash on State Highway 2 yesterday afternoon.

A 75-year-old Tairua woman was in a critical condition and a 27-year-old Tauranga woman was in a serious condition.

A Bay of Plenty District Health Board spokeswoman said a 35-year-old Whakatane woman was in a stable condition and had been admitted to a ward at the hospital.

A 75-year-old Tairua man was also involved in the crash yesterday but had been treated and discharged.

The three-car crash happened near the intersection with Apata Station Rd at Whakamaramara just before 3.30pm, police said.

A portion of the State Highway from Esdaile Rd to Apata Station Rd was closed at 7.30pm, with traffic diverted along back roads while the scene was cleared and examined.

Nearby resident Lawrence Cain heard the crash: "It was a metallic sound, like metal hitting the road. I heard the impact. Then silence. And then the sirens."

The Serious Crash Unit was investigating the crash.