Bay of Plenty crash: Emergency services called to State Highway 2 at Pukehina

The scene of the crash on State Highway 2, Pukehina.

A section of State Highway 2 near Pukehina in the Bay of Plenty remains closed tonight as vehicles are recovered from the scene of a serious crash.

Emergency services were called to a crash, east of Rodgers Rd, about 1.50pm.

A police statement said two vehicles were involved and the Serious Crash Unit was present.

The road is blocked, diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.

Hato Hone St John said one patient was transported to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.

St John sent a rescue helicopter, ambulance and multiple other vehicles to the scene. As of 3.45pm only the ambulance was still at the scene.

The spokeswoman referred further queries to the police.

A witness at the scene said he could see a car and truck appeared to be involved. He said the car was “crushed” and there was a trail of debris on the road.

The overturned truck was on the railway side of the road

The witness, who would not be named, said he was travelling from Whakatāne to Tauranga when he came across the scene, he believed just minutes after the incident happened.

He said he saw a person was being helped from the cab of the truck and first responders were arriving at the scene.

Video from the crash scene shows a truck and trailer on its side, half on the road and in the paddock.

Contents from the trailer had spilt onto the side of the road.

A St John spokeswoman said they were called to the incident at 1.49pm and responded with one ambulance, multiple other vehicles and a helicopter.

Diversions in place

An initial traffic alert from NZTA said: “Due to a crash east of Rodgers Rd, lanes are blocked.

“Expect delays and pass the scene with care.”

A Waka Kotahi update at 5.05pm said the road was likely to remain closed between Pukehina Station Rd and Old Coach Rd for several hours while police investigated.

A 7pm update said the closure remained to allow for vehicle recovery and clean-up operations.

Diversions are as follows: Eastbound traffic should travel via Pukehina Station Rd and Old Coach Rd and rejoin SH2. Westbound traffic should do the reverse. Heavy vehicles should use SH33 and SH30.

A witness at the scene earlier told SunLive a helicopter had arrived and police were working on diversions.

”It’s a quick diversion but we are at the start of the line, so it might get worse soon.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said two fire appliances attended.

A KiwiRail spokesperson said part of the railway line in the area was closed by police for a period, delaying a freight service, but had since reopened.

More to come.