Six people are dead and two have critical injuries after a horror crash near Waverley in South Taranaki.
Six people are dead and two have critical injuries after a horror crash near Waverley in South Taranaki.
Police confirmed about 3pm that there were now six fatalities.
Whanganui Sergeant Colin Wright said four people were in each car that collided head-on on State Highway 3. Four of the dead were elderly. They were travelling west, towards Hawera, when the two cars collided on a sweeping bend near Waverley Racecourse shortly after 11am. Two people from the other car are also dead.
"They're still being treated [and are] going to be going to various hospitals," Wright said.
"At the moment we're just investigating exactly what's happened."
Two rescue helicopters have landed at the crash and a third is on its way. Two fire engines, three ambulances and multiple police officers are at the crash.
Six people are dead and three have critical injuries after a horror crash near Waverley in South Taranaki. Photo / Stuart Munro
Wright said the road will be closed for a number of hours.
Cars are being diverted off SH3 down Ihupuku Rd and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) June 26, 2018
Waverley is in the South Taranaki district, 44km northwest of Whanganui.
Taranaki police this morning warned drivers about ice on the road, after four crashes since 5am.
"We need motorists across Taranaki to be extremely cautious on the roads this morning after four crashes caused by ice on the road since 5am," police said.
"Any patches of road which appear wet will likely be ice and should be treated as such.
"Police are also advising people to check their vehicles and tyres are roadworthy and ensure all windows are completely clear of ice before getting behind the wheel."
