Two hurt in head-on smash south of Kaitaia

The Northland Rescue Helicopter delivers one of the injured drivers to Whangārei Hospital. Photo / Tania Whyte

UPDATE
Two people have been injured in a head-on crash about 5km south of Kaitaia with both drivers cut from the wreckage by volunteer firefighters.

The accident occurred on State Highway 1, near Pamapuria, about 12.25pm on Wednesday.

Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, of the Northland police district communications centre, said a ute and a peoplemover with one person in each vehicle were involved.

The male driver of the ute suffered serious injuries while the woman driving the peoplemover was moderately injured.

Senior station officer Colin Kitchen, of Kaitaia Fire Brigade, said two fire appliances, two ambulances and two rescue helicopters responded.

Firefighters had to cut the doors off both vehicles to free the drivers.

The male driver's head had hit the windshield and he had also suffered broken ribs.

It was fortunate a doctor from Whangārei Hospital, who was driving to Kaitaia at the time, was able to provide immediate first aid.

Both were taken initially to Kaitaia Hospital with at least one subsequently flown to Whangārei.

The highway was blocked for about 45 minutes, Kitchen said.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified. The police investigation is continuing.