Rerewhakaaitu crash: Logging trucks and car involved

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 38, Rerewhakaaitu early this morning. Photo / NZME

State Highway 38 has reopened following a multi-vehicle crash south of Rotorua.

The crash reportedly involved two logging trucks and a car at Rerewhakaaitu, between Okaro and Rotomahana Rd, around 3.50am.

The section of SH38 was closed to allow for a complex clean up this morning with detours in place

FINAL UPDATE 12:20PM
This crash is now fully clear with both lanes open again. Thank you for your patience. ^LB https://t.co/tPwlsP7DKW

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) May 19, 2022

Earlier, a police spokeswoman said the crash appeared to have involved a couple of logging trucks and another vehicle and powerlines had come down.

St John said one was in a moderate condition and two suffered minor injuries.
One was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said two appliances from Rotorua and one from Kaingaroa were sent to the scene.

19/05/22 03:51: Traffic incident in Rerewhakaaitu. 3 patients treated 1 patient transported to Rotorua Hospital. For more details refer to Police . https://t.co/McKmm5U7iB

— St John (@StJohnAlerts) May 18, 2022

"The crash involved empty logging trucks and a car. The car went down a bank and a power pole was taken out. There were no people trapped and crews assisted with traffic management."

According to Unison around 300 customers are without power but it should be fully restored by 1pm.