Three critical people and one seriously injured after the Waikato accident

A car accident in the center of the North Island left three people seriously injured and one other seriously injured.

The accident occurred on Harbottle Rd, near the intersection of State Highway 26, Motumaoho, east of Hamilton, a police spokesman said.

Police were called to the scene at 6:20 pm. A rescue helicopter also responded to the crash site.

Four ambulances attended along with a manager, a St John spokesman said.

One of the critically ill patients was airlifted to Waikato Hospital, the spokesman said.

The other two seriously injured patients and the person in serious condition were taken to the hospital by road, St John said.

The road was initially closed and curbs were erected at the intersection of SH26 and Schollum Rd and SH26 and Kuranui Rd.

Since then, the road has been reopened.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area and expect delays.

A couple of hours south, a collision between a truck and a car in Reporoa left one person injured.

Emergency services are present and the person is being airlifted to Waikato Hospital in serious condition, police said in a statement.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Broadlands Rd and Butchers Pool Rd, Reporoa.

The collision was reported to police shortly after 8pm.

The road is blocked and detours are being installed, a police spokesman said.