Critical injuries: Multiple crashes in Bay of Plenty and South Waikato

FILE

Multiple crashes have been reported in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato this morning.

One person has critical injuries after a crash between a car and logging truck on State Highway 1, Lichfield.

A section of the highway was intially closed but has now reopened to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place.

Railway lines were also blocked.

A police spokeswoman said the crash, between Baldwin and Scriveners Rds, was reported at 10.02am.

UPDATE 12:05PM
SH1 Lichfield has now REOPENED to one lane with STOP/GO traffic management in place. Emergency services remain on scene while vehicle recovery is carried out. Please pass the scene with care and expect delays in the area. ^EHhttps://t.co/jrAVxH8VAc

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) May 17, 2021

Trains between Tokoroa and Lichfield were being stopped because the railway line was partially obstructed as a result of the crash.

A St John spokeswoman said a rescue helicopter was taking one patient with critical injuries to Waikato Hospital. Another patient was taken to Waikato Hospital by road with moderate injuries.

Traffic diversions are in place.

Rotorua crash

A car has gone off the road and is stuck in bush near State Highway 33.

A police spokeswoman said the crash, at Tikitere near Rotorua, was reported at 10.46am.

No injuries were reported and a tow truck has been called.

A car has gone off the road on State Highway 33, Tikitere near Rotorua. Photo / Andrew Warner

Taupō crash

Meanwhile, emergency services have responded to reports of a two-car crash in Taupō.

A police spokeswoman said the crash, at the intersection of Napier Rd and Kiddle Drive, was reported at 10.09am.

A St John spokeswoman said one ambulance was sent to the scene and a patient with minor injuries was treated on the scene.