Bay of Plenty SH2 closed after serious truck and van crash near Katikati

State Highway 2 north of Katikati in the Bay of Plenty is closed due to a serious crash.

Police said they were called to the two-vehicle crash, involving a truck and van, between Wolseley Rd and Bridgman Lane around 8.50am.

“Initial indicators are there are serious injuries.”

A witness who wished to remain anonymous was driving to work when the crash happened.

“I’m a bit shaken. It was a horrible scene to see.“

They said there were three cars involved including a truck.

“It looked like some pretty squashed cars, a truck and two cars.“

The witness told NZME that police said the road would be closed for five to six hours.

“The emergency services were there very quickly.

“People had stopped to see, and someone must have called for help very quickly, which is good.”

A worker at a nearby cafe said they saw “a lot” of emergency services go past.

“We’ve seen about three cops, an ambulance, an emergency doctor, and a fire truck.”

Hato Hone St John said three ambulances, one helicopter, two rapid response units, and one operations manager attended.

Five patients were assessed in total.

One was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in critical condition, St John said.

Two others were transported to Tauranga Hospital in moderate condition and two others were assessed at the scene and reported to have minor injuries.

Emergency services were called to the crash earlier this morning. Photo / Merle Cave

Police said the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

“The road is expected to remain blocked for some time while emergency services work at the scene.”

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said four crews were at the crash and one person was trapped, with crews working to remove them.

One reader said she saw “heaps of cops” go screaming down SH2.

NZ Transport Agency said SH2 was closed between Athenree Rd and Tuapiro Rd and was expected to stay closed for several hours.

“Delay travel or prepare for a long detour via the Kaimai Range.”