Three people were injured in a serious crash on State Highway 3, Waikato last night.
One man was seriously injured and needed to be transported by helicopter to Waikato Hospital.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on SH3 (Te Kūiti Rd) near Ireland Rd, just outside Ōtorohanga, at 6.10pm.
A police spokesperson told Waikato Herald the crash involved a truck and a car.
“A serious crash investigation is under way.”
Hato Hone St John said in a statement that two ambulances, one helicopter and one rapid response vehicle were dispatched the site of the crash.
“Three patients were transported to Waikato Hospital,” the statement said.
The spokesperson said one patient was in serious condition and two were in moderate condition.
Greenlea Rescue Helicopter said in a statement that a crew was dispatched to Ōtorohangafor a male who sustained serious injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
“The patient was treated on scene by the Critical Care Flight Paramedic before being flown to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.”
An NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) social media alert was issued at 6.45pm, warning motorists that a section of SH3 near Golf Rd, Waitomo was closed because of the incident.
“A section of SH3 is closed between Otewa Rd and Mangarino St. Allow extra time and follow the detour,” the alert said.
An NZTA update posted at 8.25pm said southbound traffic was being detoured via Otewa Rd, Old Te Kuiti Rd and Mangarino St.
“Delay your journey or allow extra time for the detour.”
The road was reopened at 11pm.
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.