Fiery crash near Otorohanga closes road

The crash happened on State Highway 31 near Otorohanga. Images / Google

Two vehicles burst into flames after a fiery three vehicle crash near Kawhia today that has injured three people.

The crash happened at 2.50pm today on State Highway 31 near Otorohanga.

A vehicle caught fire and it spread to another vehicle before setting alight nearby vegetation. A campervan was also involved in the crash, a Police spokesperson said.

The closest road to the crash is Redlands Rd.

St John transported one person in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition to Waikato Hospital by ambulance. A third person in a serious condition was being assessed by a rescue helicopter at the scene.

The road is now closed and traffic is being diverted while Fire and Emergency NZ battle the blaze. The road is expected to be closed for several hours.

Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Paul Radden said six crews from Otorohanga, Te Awamutu and Pirongia had been battling the blaze that had been about as big as a rugby field.

The fire was under control just before 6pm and crew were dampening it down.