Steel barriers saved lives in two car, bus crash

File photo / NZ Herald

Police are crediting steel wire barriers for ensuring there were no one was killed in a crash between two cars and a bus in Waikato yesterday.

Acting Huntly sub-area manager, Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering, said emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 1, just south of Te Kauwhata, shortly after 2pm.

"The crash is still under investigation however initial indications suggest a northbound car has collided with a south bound car and Inter City bus collided on the Ohinewai expressway near the Rangiriri Tavern," Mr van de Wetering said.

"It appears the steel wire median barrier prevented the opposing vehicles from a full frontal impact. The bus suffered minor damage but in the process veered off the road where it came to a halt while the two cars were extensively damaged."

Mr van de Wetering said three people were injured, two with minor injuries and one more seriously. All were taken to Waikato Hospital.

"The injured parties were occupants of both the cars while no-one travelling on the bus was injured."

Traffic on the SH1 was delayed for about an hour while diversions were put in place prior to the highway being partially re-opened.

"On first inspection, it appears the steel wire median barrier functioned correctly and helped prevent a potentially fatal head-on crash."

Mr van de Wetering said an investigation is now underway and to assist investigators police would like to anyone who saw the accident to contact the Huntly police station on 07 8287560.

Police are also investigating the cause of a single vehicle crash near Te Kuiti about the same time.

The driver of a car lost control and crashed into a gully off Ahoroa Rd, about 1km from the meat works plant outside Te Kuiti, and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries.