Five injured in crash east of Rotorua

The scene on the corner of State Highway 30 and 33 today where a man was seriously injured. PHOTO/PIPPA BROWN

One person has been injured in a crash between two cars at the intersection of State Highway 30 and State Highway 33.

St John Lakes area territorial manager Hilary MorrishAllen said a 70-year-old was taken to hospital with minor facial injuries, and another four, including a child, also received minor injuries and were taken to hospital.

A reporter at the scene said one car was in the middle of the lane although traffic was able to make its way around the crash scene.

She said an off duty ambulance officer was treating the man while they waited for emergency services to arrive.

It appeared there was one person in each vehicle, she said.

Both cars were badly damaged.

A witness said police were in the process of putting in place diversions around the scene so motorists could expect some delays.

A Police Northern Communications Centre spokesman said staff were too busy to talk to media at present but more details would follow.