Beryl Vaughan saw the ambulance crash into the pole on the corner of her section, about 10m from her lounge.
"I was baking a cake and then I noticed the flickering lights and looked outside and saw two ambulances. One smashed into the power pole and everything went black."
Ms Vaughan said the following ambulance stopped and a short time later a third arrived. She noticed three fire trucks, at least five police vehicles and a helicopter.
Another witness said the front left-hand side of the ambulance was crushed after hitting a power pole, which was being supported by a crane on the back of a Top Energy flat deck truck.
About 500 homes were without power for several hours as a result of the crash.
Northland police area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Chris McLellan said police had completed initial investigations and were working with the man's family and St John to ensure appropriate support was provided.
"Ambulance staff go out every day to save lives and it's very unfortunate that in this case there's been a crash."
Northland St John manager Tony Devanney said the St John officers were devastated and distressed after the crash. He said that the incident would be treated like any other public crash, with police investigating and a St John inquiry.
"We really feel for the family," said Mr Devanney, who was scheduled to meet the man's wife yesterday.
A local kaumatua, who did not wish to be named, was asked to bless the scene not long after the accident.
He told the Herald the death was another blow to the community, which had suffered several fatal accidents in the area over the past few months.
"It was quite remarkable when [the police called me] this morning. We were just coming out of a prayer meeting ... praying for our town. And then this happened."
The patient's death has been referred to the coroner.
- Additional reporting: Vaimoana Tapaleao
