One person dead, four others injured in crash near Whakatāne

Police are at the scene of a crash on Thornton Rd in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / NZME

One person has died and four others have been injured in a crash on Thornton Road between Matatā and Whakatāne this morning.

Emergency services were notified of the crash involving two cars at 9.20am.

One person is reported to have serious injuries and three people have moderate injuries.

Thornton Road is closed at the intersections with Greig Rd and West Bank Rd. The road is expected to remain closed for the next three to four hours.

Philip Rescue Helicopter attended scene of the vehicle crash on Thornton Rd. Image / Flightradar24.

Hato Hone St John was notified of the motor vehicle accident in Matatā at 9.21am and responded with three ambulances, one rapid response unit, one manager and a helicopter to the scene.

“Our crews assessed and treated three patients in a serious condition, and one patient in a minor condition who were all transported to Tauranga hospital.”

Map showing Thornton Rd, between Matatā and Whakatāne. Image/Google Maps

Fire and Emergency NZ were notified at 9.19am and sent two fire crews from Edgecumbe and one from Matatā to the scene.

“There was one person trapped in a vehicle,” northern shift manager Paul Radden said.

“We have worked with extrication equipment and have now removed that person.”

At the scene?

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