Police call for witnesses to fatal crash

Police are asking for witnesses to the fatal crash on State Highway 5 yesterday.

Rotorua police would like to hear from witnesses to a fatal crash on State Highway 5 near Tumunui yesterday.

The crash happened about 4.45pm about 5km south of Rotorua and involved three cars.

One person died in the crash while two were taken to Waikato Hospital and three to Rotorua Hospital. Two people were left with critical injuries.

Police would like to hear from witnesses to the crash, or anybody who observed the driving of the vehicles beforehand.

The vehicles involved where a northbound bronze coloured Nissan Murano and two southbound cars - a white Nissan Pulsar and a dark blue Mazda Axela.

The road was closed and diversions were in place until about 8.30pm.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter flew a 58-year-old Rotorua woman to Waikato Hospital with pelvic, chest and abdominal injuries and her husband was flown by the Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter to Waikato Hospital.

The remaining victims were taken to Rotorua Hospital by St John Ambulance.

A witness to the crash told the Rotorua Daily Post she was following a car that was drifting across the road. She said she started honking the horn to warn the driver. The crash happened soon after.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555 111.