Head-on crash leaves one seriously injured

An accident involving three cars on State Highway 1, just north of Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast, has created major traffic delays, police said.

Inspector Mike Coleman of Wellington police said a man had been taken by helicopter to Wellington hospital with serious injuries.

"Because of that, there are large delays north and southbound. There is only one lane open," he said.

Mr Coleman said it appeared there was a collision between a north and southbound car, with a car following becoming involved.

The Serious Crash Unit and photographers were still at the scene, he said.

The accident happened just north of the infamous Centennial Highway where seven people died in three separate head-on collisions between April and October last year.

- NZPA