Hamilton crash at Wairere Drive leaves one dead, three injured

A serious crash has closed Hamilton's Pukete Bridge this afternoon. Photo / Google Maps

One person is dead and three others injured following a crash involving a car and truck in Hamilton.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle accident on Wairere Drive at Pukete Bridge about 2.30pm.

An occupant of the car died at the scene, police said.

Three others were transported to hospital.

Hato Hone St John sent four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and an operations manager.

A person driving past the incident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Waikato Herald it was a “very scary scene”.

“There was a vehicle stuck under the left-hand side wheel [of the truck],” they said.

“The whole front of the vehicle was crushed. There were four [people] laying on the ground.

“There were ladies putting jackets over ... [them] ... but there was no movement.

“It also looked ... as though someone was still trapped in the car as motorists were trying to help someone inside.

“I have been in New Zealand for two years now and have never experienced [something like] this.”

Police said the crash happened between Pukete and River Roads and blocked Wairere Drive. Image / Google Maps

Police said the crash happened between Pukete and River Roads, with Wairere Drive blocked.

The Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a scene examination.

Wairere Drive is closed while emergency services work at the scene. Diversions are in place.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand sent two pump trucks and a specialist rescue vehicle, with brigades from Te Rapa, Chartwell and Hamilton attending.

The teams were on the scene for about half an hour and carried out one extraction, a spokesperson said.