Two individuals, including a child, lost their lives in a collision on State Highway 1 north of Mangaweka. Police received reports of the accident, which involved a van and a car, around 12.42 pm near the intersection with Ruahine Road. Alongside the fatalities, two adults and another child are in critical condition at a hospital.
The crash temporarily closed State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Bulls, resulting in significant traffic delays before the road reopened around 5:30 pm. The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned travelers to expect ongoing delays in the area as traffic normalizes.
Emergency response to the scene included two ambulances, a first response unit, two helicopters, and an operations manager from Hato Hone St John. Local residents, including staff from nearby establishments, described a chaotic scene with travelers redirecting plans as they faced uncertainty and read the unfolding news.
This incident adds to the already high holiday road toll, which has reached nine deaths since Christmas Eve. Superintendent Steve Greally of the police road policing division expressed frustration over the increase in fatal crashes, emphasizing the need for safe driving practices. He reassured that police would maintain a strong presence in high-risk areas during the holiday period, urging the public to work together to prevent further road tragedies.
