Three critically injured in Coromandel crash

File photo / NZ Herald

Three people with critical injuries have been flown to hospital after a collision on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Another passenger has suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance, said Waikato Police prevention manager Inspector Rob Lindsay.

Two air ambulance helicopters joined fire, ambulance and police staff at the scene of the crash in Cooks Beach.

"At this point in time it is too early to say what caused the two car collision which happened on Purangi Rd about 12.19pm," Mr Lindsay said.

Police understood three people were flown to hospital with critical injuries and the drivers of both vehicles suffered minor injuries.

A Serious Crash Investigator was making his way from Hamilton to the scene of the crash and it was likely that the road would remain closed for some time.

"While we're unable to confirm what happened in this crash what we can comment on is that this is the third serious crash in the Waikato today that has left people seriously, and in some cases critically injured.

"This is despite driving conditions today being described as ideal. At this time Police are urging all motorists to make sure they are doing all they can do to ensure they drive to survive this summer."

Earlier today two truck drivers were hospitalised when their vehicles collided near the Mangawhero bridge close to Matamata.

Sergeant Dean Kaio of the Morrinsville police traffic unit said the two trucks had collided on a narrow stretch of road.

"I think at some stage one of the vehicles has gone onto the wrong side of the road," he said.

Details were not immediately known about the third crash.