One person seriously injured after high wind rolls truck on SH50 in Hawke’s Bay

A section of SH50 in Hawke's Bay is closed after a single-vehicle crash caused by high winds.

One person is in a serious condition after a truck rolled on a major Hawke’s Bay highway because of strong winds this afternoon.

Police said emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on State Highway 50 near the Waipawa River bridge about 2.50pm.

“Eastern District Police have received several reports of vehicles rolling/tipping due to high winds,” police said.

“We are urging motorists to seriously consider delaying travel, especially if you are travelling in a high-sided vehicle.”

NZTA Waka Kotahi said SH50 is now closed between the intersections of Bridge St and Kereru Rd.

UPDATE 5:15PM
Due to a serious crash, SH50 is now CLOSED between the intersections of Bridge St and Kereru Rd.
SB traffic turn around onto SH50, continue onto Maraekakaho Rd, right on to SH2. NB traffic right onto Bridge St, continue onto Ongaonga Rd, left onto SH2. ^JP https://t.co/YlObZGTgOL pic.twitter.com/tu1FC0jjoK

— NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) October 21, 2025

“Southbound traffic [should] turn around on to SH50, continue on to Maraekakaho Rd, right on to SH2. Northbound traffic right on to Bridge St, continue on to Ongaonga Rd, left on to SH2.”

Hato Hone St John said one ambulance and one rapid response vehicle were called to the scene just before 3pm.

“One person was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital in a serious condition.”

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