Serious crash in Russell closes road

A young child has been airlifted to hospital following a serious crash near Russell in the Bay of Islands.

The crash involved two cars on Whakapara Rd heading towards Rawhiti about 1.30pm.

A girl, aged about five years, suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital by the Northland Electricty rescue helicopter.

Another child, aged about six years, was uninjured and the male driver, aged in his 30s, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The male driver of the other vehicle, aged in his early 50s, also suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.

Initial indications are that that one of the vehicles crossed the centre line, but the Serious Crash Unit will be investigating to determine the cause of the crash.

Police have set up diversions while the crash scene is being examined. People travelling from Russell to Rawhiti will need to catch the Ferry across to Opua and then travel south and on to Waikare Road.

People travelling from Rawhiti to Russell or other destinations north or south will need to take Waikare Road and then on to State Highway One.