Driver injured and SH4 blocked after car crashes into tree at Raetihi

Emergency Services are responding to a serious crash in Raetihi that has closed part of State Highway 4.

A police spokesperson said they were notified just after 2pm that a car had collided with a tree between Valley Rd and Managarewa Rd.

The driver has serious injuries and a helicopter has been sent to the scene.

SH4 RAETIHI, MANAWATU-WHANGANUI - CRASH - 2:45PM
Due to a crash, the state highway is now CLOSED at the intersection of Seddon St. Emergency services are attending. Please expect DELAYS & plan your journey accordingly. ^LZ pic.twitter.com/oSIfpm0y1b

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) December 29, 2021

Waka Kotahi said the highway has been closed at the intersection with Seddon St, and police expect it to remain blocked for some time.

Motorists travelling through the area are being told to expect delays and to plan their journey accordingly.

Raetihi is a small town in the centre of the North Island, located at the junction of State Highways 4 and 49 in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.