Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
A person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Carterton this afternoon, bringing the Waitangi Day road toll to five.
The crash in Clareville was reported around 4.10pm and the victim died on route to hospital.
One person was transported to Wellington Hospital with serious injuries, and two people were transported to Masterton Hospital with moderate injuries, police said this evening.
The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. State Highway 2 has been reopened.
Earlier a motorcyclist was killed on State Highway 50, Central Hawke’s Bay about 2.15pm.
Diversions were in place at Ashcott Rd and Ongaonga for several hours.
SH50 ASHLEY CLINTON, HAWKE’S BAY – CRASH – 3:20PM
The road is now CLOSED between Ashcott Rd and Bridge St due to a crash. Please follow the directions by emergency services on-site. ^SG pic.twitter.com/h8rkjw8wdu— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) February 6, 2023
Three people also died in two separate crashes on State Highway 4 in the central North Island this morning.
One person died in the first crash just before 11.30am near Taumarunui.
A police spokesperson said emergency services were at the scene of the crash on State Highway 4, at Manunui.
Shortly after midday Waka Kotahi advised that SH4 had been closed.
SH4 PIRIAKA, MANAWATU-WHANGANUI – CRASH – 12:05PM
The road is now CLOSED, due to a crash at Piriaka. Northbound road users detour via SH47 onto SH41 and back onto SH4, reverse if travelling southbound. ^AP pic.twitter.com/sHHHDeJIke— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) February 5, 2023
The second fatal crash occurred on SH4 at Raetahi about midday.
Two people died and two others were injured, police said.
That section of the road was also closed with diversions in place.
SH4 RAETIHI, MANAWATU-WHANGANUI – SERIOUS CRASH – 12:45PM
The road is now CLOSED between Raetihi and Whanganui, due to a serious crash. Please avoid the area and consider using an alternate route. ^AP pic.twitter.com/4IcDyZwqA8— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) February 5, 2023
The serious crash unit has been advised of all three crashes.
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