Two people hospitalised in King Country crash

Photo / Thinkstock

Two people are in hospital following a single-vehicle crash in King Country this morning.

Waikato district command centre Senior Sergeant Pete Van De Wetering said emergency services were called to State Highway 4 near Ramaroa Rd in Aria about 7.40am.

A motorist approached a local resident to raise the alarm on a land line due to the poor cell phone coverage in the area.

"Initial reports suggest a Toyota Prado had left the road. The Prado had rolled leaving the two occupants critically and seriously injured."

Fire fighters used specialist equipment to cut the patients from the wreck and they were then transported to a site suitable for a rescue helicopter to transport them to hospital, Mr van De Wetering said.

"The nature of the terrain and roading network meant there were issues setting up diversions so traffic was opened to one lane but anyone in the area can expect delays and if possible police ask motorists to avoid the area.

"In situations such as today's crash emergency responders endeavour to get people vital treatment within what's known as the "Golden Hour" but sometimes climatic conditions such as fog can prevent this so we are urging all motorists to do all they can to ensure their safety out on the roads."

With major events in the Waikato this week such as the Beach Hop in Whangamata and the Balloons Over Waikato in Hamilton, police warned travellers to expect delays and allow plenty of time to get to and from their destination.