State Highway 29 Lower Kaimāī reopens after crash involving three vehicles

State Highway 29 near Tauranga has reopened after a crash that has left one person with critical injuries.

“Traffic is very heavy in this area,” NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said shortly after 3pm. “Expect delays and take extra care.”

Emergency services were called to the three-vehicle crash, involving a car, ute and small truck, about 10.30am.

The crash happened between Poripori Rd and Thorn Rd.

NZTA said in an update about 12.25pm that police were undertaking a serious crash investigation and SH29 might remain closed for some time today.

“Delay your journey or consider using alternative routes: Either SH36 and 5 via Rotorua or SH2, 26 and 27 via K-Gorge [Karangahake Gorge] and Matamata.”

In a statement to SunLive, police said one person had been flown to hospital in critical condition.

“The injured person was travelling in a vehicle with two other occupants, both of whom are being taken to hospital by ambulance.”

“The sole occupants of the two other vehicles are uninjured.”

An aerial view of traffic building up after a SH29 crash on the Kaimāī Range.

Hato Hone St John said two people were taken to Tauranga Hospital by ambulance, one in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition.

”One further patient, in a critical condition, is being airlifted to Auckland City Hospital.”

Diversions were in place at McLaren Falls Rd and Omanawa Rd.

“The crash has closed the highway and there is heavy traffic as a result,” police said earlier.

“Motorists, especially those leaving Tauranga, are advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared, which may take some time.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said two fire trucks were in attendance.

”No persons were trapped,” it said in a statement.

“Motorists, especially those leaving Tauranga, are advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared, which may take some time.”

Vehicle rolls in Mount Maunganui

Traffic has been reduced to one lane on Newton St at Mount Maunganui following a crash.

“A vehicle rolled on Newton St, near Hull Rd, about 10.40am,” police said.

“There are no serious injuries.”

A SunLive reader said traffic was moving slowly.

Rolled car on Newton St at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Grace Dekker

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz