Woman critical after two-vehicle crash

The T-intersection where Back Ormond Road joins State Highway 2 has seen its share of crashes over the years — the latest being a collision between a car and a goods truck on Tuesday afternoon. Picture by Liam Clayton

An elderly woman was critically injured when the car she was driving collided with a goods truck at the corner of State Highway 2 and Back Ormond Road on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to the crash at around 4.45pm.

Firefighters assisted in removing the injured woman from her severely damaged vehicle and she was taken to hospital by ambulance.

A St John spokesman said the elderly woman suffered “multiple” injuries and was transported in a “critical” condition.

She was admitted to the intensive care unit at Gisborne Hospital in critical condition.

When The Herald went to print last night no further update was available on her condition.

The driver of the truck, a man, was also hurt and was also taken to hospital.

“He has suffered moderate injuries,” the St John spokesman said.

The Herald understands he was treated in the Emergency Department and discharged.

The state highway between Brown Road and Lavenham Road was closed during the incident. It remained closed for several hours, and was finally reopened at 10.15pm on Tuesday night.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has thanked all motorists affected by the closure for their patience following the crash.

Police have a serious crash inquiry under way.