Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
Three people have died in 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, Manunui.
Shortly after midday Waka Kotahi advised that SH4 had been closed.
Motorists were being advised to avoid the area.
Detours are available – northbound motorists should use SH47 onto SH41 and back onto SH4 while those going south should do the reverse.
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
Motorists were advised to avoid the area if possible.
The serious crash unit has been advised of both crashes.
Story Credit: rnz.co.nz