One person has been flown to hospital and a major highway is closed after a serious crash.
Earlier, Shenandoah Highway was partially closed but has since shut completely.
A police spokesperson said they were called to the scene between Creighton Rd and SH65 about 7.35am.
“One person is being treated with serious injuries.
“Detours are in place and the road is expected to be closed for some time.”
Two hours after the crash the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) fully closed the road. A police spokesperson confirmed this was due to the same crash.
A St John spokesperson said one person was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in serious condition.
“One PRIME responder, one first response unit, and one helicopter responded.”
Motorists have been warned to reverse if they are travelling northbound or detour via SH6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge, SH69 Inangahua Jnc to SH7 Reefton to Springs Junction if they are travelling south.
Heavy rain is expected in Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel on Wednesday.