A police serious crash investigation is underway.
"We are investigating the cause of the accident and at this stage it looks as if ice on the highway might have been a factor," Mr Aben said.
The crash happened at the bottom of Traffords Hill on the Opotiki side, near the Opato Bridge.
The 42-year-old man who was driving the 4x4 was treated and discharged from Gisborne Hospital's emergency department yesterday, along with the girl's 29-year-old mother. They both suffered what were described as minor injuries.
A team from Starship Hospital flew the injured girl to Auckland yesterday afternoon.
A hospital spokeswoman said this morning she was in the Starship intensive care unit and her condition was critical.
SH2 remained closed yesterday morning as police conducted a scene examination.
Mr Aben said road conditions at the time of the accident were part of their investigation.
- The Gisborne Herald
