Three dead after a car and truck collided in Central Hawk Bay

Three people died after a car and truck collided on State Highway 2 near Takabao.

Emergency services were called for the plane crash between Sunny Road and Bern Road at 2.48 PM on Tuesday.

A police spokeswoman said Central Hook Bay Road was closed after two cars collided.

A St. John ambulance spokeswoman said three ambulances and a helicopter had attended the scene.

Police said diversions are taking place at SH2 junctions on State Highway 50, Charlotte Road and Copua Road.

“There is a shift in place, but we are asking motorists to avoid the area and delay travel for the next two hours,” a police spokeswoman said.

All three cars killed were in the vehicle, while the truck driver was airlifted to Hook Bai Hospital.

The road will remain closed for the next few hours.

According to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport – Hawke’s Bay and a spokesperson for Gisborne, the SH2 lane has closed south with detours near Charlotte Road.

“Northbound is still open,” the spokesman said. Please be extra careful during traffic and expect delays in the area.

“The contractors are on their way,” the spokeswoman added.

The accident followed two serious SH2 accidents in the area on Monday before midday.

The 6.16 am light truck accident was the first of two crashes that shut down parts of the SH2.

A man in his 30s and a teenager was taken to hospital from the scene near Te Cahoe Road. The couple were suffering from moderate to severe injuries but their condition was subsequently reported to be stabilized.

The highway was closed for just over an hour, before one lane opened between 7.35am and 11am.

Police were also called in for a crash of two vehicles near Amahu Road and SH2 roundabout at 10.15 am.

One person had to be freed from one of the vehicles by the fire and emergency crew.

A man in his 20s was taken to Hook Bay Hospital, where his condition was stable.

Both of the previous accidents were in good weather conditions, dry roads and good visibility.

More is coming