While light vehicles can use diversions around the crash on SH1, the route isn't suitable for heavy vehicles, which are waiting on the side of the road for the site to clear. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
Four people have been injured after three vehicles crashed on State Highway 1, just south of Taihape on Monday.
Emergency services were called to the scene near the intersection of the highway and Raumu Rd just after 1pm.
Hato Hone St John told RNZ it responded to the crash with two operation managers, two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, one prime responder and two helicopters.
"One patient, in a critical condition, was airlifted to Whanganui Base Hospital. One patient, in a moderate condition, was transported by road to Whanganui Base Hospital.
"Two patients, one in a moderate and one in a minor condition, were also transported to Palmerston North Hospital," St John said.
The road has since reopened after it was earlier blocked and had diversions in place.
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