SH5 incident near Rotorua causes major traffic delays, critical injury

Traffic backed up following a incident on State Highway 5 south of Rotorua. Photo / Simon Ireland

Traffic is backed up south of Rotorua after an “incident” that has critically injured one person.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said crews were at an “incident involving a vehicle” on State Highway 5 south of Rotorua.

“A person is trapped underneath a vehicle and crews are working to remove them.”

Two trucks and an operational support vehicle from Rotorua were called to the scene around 11.20am.

SH30 TIHIOTONGA - 12:25PM
Due to a van rollover in Tihiotonga, south of Rotorua, stop/go traffic management is place near the intersection of #SH30 and #SH5. Expect delays. ^nd https://t.co/n32JoEwYLr

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) June 10, 2025

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one patient, in a critical condition, was transported to Rotorua Hospital.

A police spokeswoman said the incident involved a vehicle on the side of SH5 near the SH30 intersection.

“One lane on the road remains open, however, motorists should expect delays.”

Simon Ireland said he has been stuck in traffic for about 40 minutes at the Waipa turnoff.

He said traffic was backed up “roughly 5km south of Rotorua.”