Waipu ambulance crash leaves one person in critical condition

A Hato Hone St John ambulance crashed into another vehicle in Waipu, leaving one person in a critical condition.

One person has been left in a critical condition after an ambulance crashed into another vehicle in Waipu.

Two ambulance crew members were in the emergency vehicle at the time, transporting a patient in a moderate condition from Mangawhai Heads to Whangārei Hospital, said Hato Hone St John Northland district operations manager Ben Lockie.

Two ambulances, one rapid response unit, one first response unit, an operational manager and a helicopter responded to the scene.

“One ambulance officer was treated for moderate injuries and transported to Whangārei Hospital,” Lockie said.

“The other ambulance officer and the patient were not injured as a result of the crash, and the patient was transported to hospital by another ambulance crew.

“Ambulance staff treated one other patient and transported them to Whangārei Hospital in a critical condition.”

Lockie said the damaged ambulance had been taken off the road for repairs.

A police spokesperson said they were alerted to the crash about 7.50pm on Cove Rd.

The road is closed between South Rd and McLean Rd, and diversions are in place, with it being expected to remain closed for several hours.

Motorists have been advised to expect delays while emergency services work at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified of the incident.

Lockie said St John takes the health and safety of the public and their people very seriously and will assist the police with their investigation.

“Support will be provided to our ambulance staff involved; our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident.”