Triple fatal crash near Gisborne: Woman and two children dead

Three people were killed this morning when a vehicle left State Highway 35, near Te Araroa.

The victims were a woman and two children believed to be from the East Cape area.

Emergency services responded to the crash at about 5.45am.

"The four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser vehicle had left the road ... the three people in it had passed away when we arrived," a senior firefighter said.

The vehicle was on its roof on the side of the road when the first fire crew arrived.

Te Araroa and Tikitiki firefighters responded, along with police. St John Ambulance from Ruatoria was also called out.

St John Ambulance officers pronounced the victims dead at the scene.

UPDATE 11:15AM#SH35 remains CLOSED due to a serious crash south of Tokata Rd. Please continue to avoid the area or delay your journey if possible, as there is no suitable detour available. ^EW https://t.co/A7r51eRJf4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) November 15, 2020

The state highway was blocked immediately after the crash and remained closed to all traffic for some hours.

The police Serious Crash Unit from Gisborne was called to the scene to start an investigation.

"This was a single-vehicle crash," a police spokesman said.

"We had the road open to one lane for a while but due to the number of 'rubberneckers' coming to have a look we had to shut it down completely."

He indicated the Coast highway would remain closed possibly until mid-afternoon at the earliest.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency asked motorists to take extra care and expect delays at the crash site.