Three people injured in separate Northland crashes, earlier crash fatality confirmed

Two people were injured in separate crashes this morning. Photo / NZME

Three separate crashes in the Whangārei district today have resulted in injuries to three people, as police confirm the death of a man involved in a crash in October.

A 59-year-old man has died a month and a half after a crash on SH1, Waiomio on October 18. A woman died immediately after the van and car collided about 50m south of the intersection with Waiomio Rd, and the man was initially reported to be critically injured.

Police confirmed the man’s death, and that it would not count towards this year’s road toll as it occurred more than 30 days after the crash.

The first crash, involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, happened on Rust Ave around 10am.

One ambulance responded, and a patient with moderate injuries was transported to Northland Base Hospital, St John said.

No diversions or road closures were in place.

A second crash, at the intersection of SH14 and Otaika Valley Rd, was reported to police around 10.35am.

One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

No road closures were in place.

The third crash, which involved two vehicles, was on Pipiwai Rd, Ruatangata. One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Just last month, Senior Sergeant Haydn Korach of Far North police urged people to plan trips and take their time when driving over summer, after two fatal crashes in a week.

“Whatever trip you’re planning, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve done this numerous times in the past or not, the trip’s going to take longer.

“People need to plan their trips accordingly, take their time, take a breath and be patient.”