Four injured in Wainuiomata Hill crash

Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in crash which saw four people hospitalised this morning.

Inspector Richard Chambers said it appeared a Holden Commodore was travelling towards Wainuiomata on the wrong side of the Wainuiomata Hill Road with its lights off, when it collided with a van about 4.50am.

He said the three adults and a child aged under three in the car were taken to Hutt Hospital and some were in a serious condition.

Two of the four people hurt in the crash had serious chest injuries. The other two had minor injuries, St John Ambulance spokesman Robert Ives said.

A toddler and its mother were among the injured passengers of the Holden, Mr Ives said.

The driver of the van was not injured.

"Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash," Mr Chambers said.

Emergency services cleared the wreckage and the road was reopened about 9am.

Any witnesses should contact the Lower Hutt Station on 04 560 2600.

- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA