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At least 12 people were injured in a three-car accident on State Highway 5 in Ohaaki, northeast of Taupō.
The accident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. today.
Twelve people were injured and their injuries ranged from moderate to severe, police said.
“The injured have been transferred to Rotorua Hospital for treatment.”
The way is now open.
The accident had previously shut down SH5, with turnouts installed on SH5 at Ohaaki Rd and Aratiatia Rd. Motorists were warned to expect delays and asked to be patient.
A St. John spokeswoman said initial reports indicated three people were injured, one seriously.
However, he said only one person was taken to Rotorua Hospital in moderate condition and one person who received minor injuries was evaluated on the spot.
No further information was available at this time.
The crash comes after a fatal crash in Horowhenua overnight raised the holiday weekend highway toll to six.
Police say a driver died after an accident in Tokomaru around 11.30pm
The accident, which involved two vehicles, occurred at the intersection of Makerua and Williams Rds.
The driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles died at the scene, police said.
A passenger in the second vehicle suffered moderate injuries.
The grim figure comes after five other fatal accidents across the country since Friday.
Yesterday, one person died after a car rolled down State Highway 35 in Tikitiki, on the east coast north of Gisborne, shortly after 2 p.m.
And a seriously injured motorcyclist is at Waikato Hospital after a serious accident north of Napier.
National Highway Traffic Safety Director Acting Superintendent Gini Welch called it a “devastating start” to the weekend.
“Most people behave safely on the roads most of the time, but it only takes a risky decision or a moment of inattention to cause a tragedy. Ultimately, the actions of every driver and rider make a difference. “
Heavy rains and high winds hitting the South Island are expected to hamper road conditions starting tonight, and congestion is expected when those on a weekend getaway return home tomorrow.
Waka Kotahi / NZTA urged motorists to plan ahead and be patient when encountering the inevitable traffic jams.
The weekday highway toll period ends at 6 a.m. M. From Tuesday.
Only one person died on our roads during the same holiday period in 2019.
