Napier-Taupō road reopened after two hurt in serious crash

State Highway 5 has reopened several hours after two people were seriously injured after a crash on Friday morning. Photo / NZME

State Highway 5 has reopened following a crash in which two people were seriously injured on Friday morning.

A police spokeswoman said police responded to a two-vehicle crash near Tarawera just after 9am.

Police confirmed State Highway 5 at Tarawera had reopened in a statement at 2.45pm.

The statement said two people were transported to hospital in a serious condition and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing.

“Motorists are thanked for their patience while the road was closed for emergency services to attend,” the statement said.

A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said in a statement that three people arrived at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Emergency Department (ED) after the incident.

“A female in her 50s and a male in his 70s arrived via helicopter just after midday, while another female in her 20s arrived by ambulance slightly later,” the spokesperson said.

“All three are still being assessed in ED.”

A helicopter was dispatched to the scene from Greenlea Rescue Helicopter according to a spokeswoman.

Waka Kotahi said the road was earlier closed near Pohokura, north of the intersection with Tataraakina Rd.