US military involved in three-vehicle crash outside RNZ Air Force base in Ohakea

Three vehicles have crashed at the intersection of SH1 and Pukenui Rd, next to the RNZAF's Ohakea base. Image/Google Earth

US military personnel have been involved in a three-vehicle crash outside a military base in the Manawatu, leaving one person with serious injuries and two moderately injured.

The crash happened just after 4pm at the intersection of Pukenui Rd and State Highway 1, at the main gate of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Ohakea base, west of Feilding.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Defence Force said a rental vehicle carrying visiting US service personnel was involved in the accident.

Air force personnel from the base provided immediate first aid, the spokesperson said.

Fire, police and ambulance crews are all at the scene.

A police spokeswoman said the person with serious injuries had initially been trapped in their vehicle but had been freed by ambulance officers.

The Rangitikei Bridge is closed and motorists are being asked to avoid the area as delays are expected for some time.