Three people have minor injuries following a head on crash this morning on State Highway 50 between Napier and Hastings.
A police spokesman said they were called at 8.40am to what initially appeared to be a two-car head on crash.
When they arrived at Links Rd about three mintues later it became clear three cars had been crumpled, one was in the ditch.
A blue hatchback and a saloon, with one person inside each, and a white commercial van with about five people inside were involved.
A member of the public stepped in to help direct traffic while the road was closed at both ends for about 20 minutes while the cars were removed.
The fire service and ambulance also attended.
The crash was not referred to serious crash unit.