One dead as two-car collision closes State Highway 3 near Mt Messenger in Taranaki

Emergency services are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 3 in Taranaki.

• One person is dead after a two-car collision on State Highway 3 near Mt Messenger.
• Two people were seriously injured and transported to Taranaki Base Hospital.
• SH3 is closed between Wharekauri Rd and Mangamaio Rd; motorists should expect delays.

One person is dead after a two-car collision on State Highway 3 near Mt Messenger in Taranaki.

A police spokesperson said officers were alerted to the Easter Monday crash between Wharekauri Road and Mangamaio Rd at about 2.30pm.

“The road is blocked and motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible.”

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH3 between these two roads remains closed due to the crash.

“[The Serious Crash Unit] will be attending the scene but will take some time to arrive and their investigations will take several hours to complete.

“The detour [is] under stop/go and is only suitable for light vehicles. The detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

“Continue to follow emergency services on-site or delay your journey.”

UPDATE 4:35PM
SH3 remain CLOSED. SCU will be attending the scene but will take some time to arrive, and their investigations will take several hours to complete. The detour under STOP/GO and is only suitable for light vehicles. The detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles. ^EH https://t.co/20RhOPTx0y pic.twitter.com/KZnctgbS9t

— NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) April 21, 2025

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said crews responded to the crash just before 2.30pm.

“We sent three ambulances, two helicopters, one manager, one rapid response vehicle and one first responder.

“Our crews assessed and treated four patients. One in a critical condition and one in a serious condition were airlifted to Waikato Hospital.

“We took two people in a serious condition via road to Taranaki Base Hospital.”

Police have confirmed one person died in the crash.

Another two people were seriously injured and two people have moderate injuries.

The two patients in a serious condition were transported by road to Taranaki Base Hospital.