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A host of serious accidents resulting in critical injuries have also caused chaos on the roads this Labor weekend. On Saturday afternoon, a car rolled over near Hastings and a serious collision occurred on State Highway 26 from Paeroa to Kopu. A rescue helicopter was dispatched following a two-vehicle crash in Burnham, and two patients were hospitalized in Greymouth after an incident on State Highway 7 near Kaiata. Several lanes were blocked on State Highway 25 after another collision.
There were at least four crashes on Auckland State Highway 1 after 10 a.m. Saturday, one of which involved six vehicles. Another crash involved four vehicles, but no injuries were reported.
An incident at Auckland’s Harbor Bridge caused major traffic disruptions when the collision blocked lane 4 for more than an hour on Saturday morning.
Two motorcyclists were also seriously injured after crashes near Woodville in Manawatu and on Desert Rd, respectively.
In a strong message issued Saturday night, New Zealand police urged motorists to “behave safely” after the horrible 24 hours on the roads.
“Police are making a strong call on motorists to behave safely on our roads after a devastating start to the Labor weekend,” said Acting Superintendent of the National Highway Police Manager, Gini Welch.
“Our frontline personnel have witnessed four fatal accidents across the country since the official weekend period began at 4pm yesterday.
“We have also responded to a number of other serious accidents that have resulted in significant injuries to those involved.”
