Ambulance and gas truck collide in State Highway 1 crash north of Levin

A crash between an ambulance and a gas truck has closed off a section of State Highway 1 in Manawatū this morning.

The road north of Levin remains closed after the crash, which happened about 10.40am.

Police confirmed one of the vehicles involved was a gas truck, while a St John Ambulance spokesman said one of their rapid response vehicles had been damaged in the crash.

“The paramedic in the rapid response unit and the driver of the other vehicle were both treated for serious injuries and transported to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance,” said area operations manager Gareth Collings.

He said the crash happened in Poroutawhao, and that two ambulances one rapid response vehicle and two operations managers responded to the incident.

“The rapid response vehicle will be assessed today to determine whether it is roadworthy.

“Hato Hone St John takes the safety of the public and its people seriously and will be supporting police with their investigation.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by this incident and we are offering support to our people who were involved.”

NZ Transport Agency said the road was still closed near Koputaroa Rd, and the Serious Crash Unit was now investigating the scene.

“This can take several hours,” the agency said on social media.