At least seven people were injured after a serious two-vehicle crash on New Zealand’s main transport route, State Highway 1, in the Far North on Thursday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response.
Emergency services were alerted to the collision at around 4.40pm in the small settlement of Waipapakauri. The crash occurred on a section of the highway that serves as a vital link for communities across the Far North, carrying both local and long-distance traffic.
Police confirmed that a significant number of emergency resources were dispatched to the scene due to the severity of the incident. Two rescue helicopters, two ambulances, two rapid response units from St John, and an operations manager were all deployed to assist injured occupants and manage the response.
“At this stage, three people are in a serious condition and four people are in a moderate condition,” police said in a statement. “Some of those injured will be airlifted to hospital.”
The use of helicopters underscored the seriousness of several injuries, as well as the challenges of transporting patients quickly from the remote Far North to hospitals capable of providing advanced trauma care. Authorities have not yet released details about the identities of those involved or the cause of the crash.
State Highway 1 was closed in both directions for a period while emergency crews worked to treat the injured, clear debris, and assess the scene. The closure caused traffic delays in the area, with motorists advised to avoid the route while the response was underway.
Police later confirmed that the highway has since reopened to traffic, allowing vehicles to pass through the area once more. Motorists were urged to drive with caution and remain alert, particularly on busy regional highways.
