Police have charged a driver following a crash which injured 12 people, four seriously, on State Highway 5, near Taupō this morning.
The crash, between a van and SUV near Rangitaiki School Rd, was reported around 10.30am, a police spokesperson said.
“Initial enquiries suggest the driver attempted to overtake a vehicle, and has struck the second vehicle head on.”
St John treated 12 patients at the scene and responded with four ambulances, one rapid response unit, and four helicopters.
“Nine patients have been airlifted to Waikato Hospital; four in a serious condition, three in a moderate condition, and two in a minor condition,” a spokesperson said.
“Three patients have been transported via road to Taupō Hospital; two in a moderate condition, and one in a minor condition.”
Twelve people have been injured, four seriously, in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5, near Taupō this morning. (Source: 1News)
The road was closed for around three hours as the road was cleared and inquiries were conducted.
Fire and Emergency NZ said it was notified via an automatic iPhone detection and assisted with getting people from the vehicles.
“Two people were lightly trapped,” a spokesperson said.
Four FENZ trucks attended from Taupō and Lake Taupō.
Taupō District Mayor David Trevawas said he was “incredibly sad” to hear about the crash.
“My heart and mind, and those of the district too, goes out to the ones that have suffered injuries.”
A 57-year-old van driver has been summonsed to appear in Tauranga District Court on a charge of careless driving causing injury next week.
