Triple-vehicle crash witnesses sought

Police investigating a collision involving two cars and a bus south of Te Kauwhata believe steel wire barriers may have prevented fatalities.

Traffic on State Highway 1 was delayed for about an hour on Monday as emergency services responded to the crash just after 2pm.

Acting Huntly Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering, says initial indications suggest a northbound car collided with a south bound car and an Inter City bus on the Ohinewai expressway near the Rangiriri Tavern. 

“It appears the steel wire medium barrier prevented the opposing vehicles from a full frontal impact. 

“The bus suffered minor damage but in the process veered off the road where it came to a halt while the two cars were extensively damaged.”

Pete says three people were injured as a result of the crash – two with minor injuries and one more seriously.

“All three injured were taken by ambulance to Waikato Hospital. 

“The injured parties were occupants of both the cars, while no-one travelling on the bus was injured.”

“Once it was established that there were no fatalities Police and other emergency services concentrated on helping the injured and clearing the road.

“On first inspection, it appears the steel wire medium barrier functioned correctly and helped prevent a potentially fatal head-on crash.”
Peter says an investigation is underway and to assist investigators, Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash. 

Anyone with information can contact Huntly police station on 07 8287560.