One person is dead and another is in a serious condition after a four-vehicle collision on State Highway 45, Okaiawa at approximately 10:30am today.
The crash occurred after two northbound vehicles collided with two southbound vehicles. Police, Fire, and Ambulance attended the scene.
At this stage it is unknown what caused the crash however officers are speaking to witnesses and a scene examination is being conducted.
The first southbound vehicle was occupied by two women — the driver, who is in a serious condition, was airlifted from the scene by a rescue helicopter and taken to hospital. Despite the efforts of emergency services the passenger died at the scene.
The male driver and female passenger in the second southbound vehicle were assessed by ambulance staff at the scene. The female was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The female driver of the first northbound sole-occupied vehicle was also airlifted to hospital with minor injuries.
The male driver and male passenger of the second northbound vehicle did not sustain any injuries but were shaken from the crash; however, the driver was transported to hospital by ambulance to be assessed.
Taranaki Police are carrying out an investigation alongside the Serious Crash Unit to determine what factors have led to the crash.
The section of road where the crash occurred is now fully open.
This is the second fatal crash on Taranaki roads in the past two days and Taranaki Police urges motorists travelling through the District to take extra care on the roads and be vigilant of the conditions and other road users.
No further information is available at this stage.
Police will not release any further details about the deceased until formal ID has been completed and next of kin has been informed.
ENDS
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.