A 72-year-old man has suffered serious head injuries after a truck and two cars crashed on a bridge on the Napier-Taupo highway.
Northern fire communications shift manager Megan Ruru said the crash happened on a bridge on State Highway 5, near Rangitaiki, in the Waipunga Gorge. The road has reopened after earlier being closed south of Taupo at Maunganamu, but is down to one lane. Traffic controls remain in place and motorists are being advised to expect lengthy delays or avoid the area.
One of the vehicle's occupants was trapped initially before being cut free by firefighters.
He was then airlifted to Hawke's Bay Hospital for further treatment.
