Shearing gang taken to hospital after crash in rural Hawke’s Bay

Eight people were taken to hospital after a two-vehicle crash involving a shearing gang’s van in Rissington, Hawke’s Bay.

Emergency services, including a helicopter, were called to the serious crash on Puketitiri Rd, about 30km northwest of Napier, at 6.25am.

The road was closed at the time and emergency services at the scene said the crash was between a car and a van.

Rissington volunteer fire station crew leader Patrick O’Rourke confirmed that the van was carrying shearers and woolhandlers.

O’Rourke said he understood there was a head-on crash, and he co-ordinated the organisation of the rescue helicopter.

He understood there were seven people in the van and a sole occupant in the car.

“I don’t know really what happened; there are various reports, but I think obviously one of them was on the wrong side of the road, it was pretty much head to head.”

He said sunstrike may have been a factor in the crash.

The Serious Crash Unit was advised and the road reopened at 10.30am, a police spokesman said.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and one helicopter were sent to the scene where eight people were assessed for injuries.

One was taken in a critical condition to Hawke’s Bay Hospital by helicopter.

One in a serious condition, three in a moderate condition and three in a minor condition were taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital by ambulance.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said five fire appliances and a support vehicle had also been called.