Update, 11.13am:  One person has died and four others have been injured in a crash on Thornton Road between Matatā and Whakatāne this morning.

Emergency services were notified of the crash involving two cars at 9.20am.

One person is reported to have serious injuries and three people have moderate injuries.

Thornton Road is closed at the intersections with Greig Rd and West Bank Rd. The road is expected to remain closed for the next three to four hours.

Earlier, 9.50am:  One people is in a serious condition, and three people are in a minor condition following a vehicle crash near Whakatāne.

Emergency services including rescue helicopter responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash between Matatā and Whakatāne on Sunday morning.

“Police were notified of a crash on Thornton Rd at 9.20am,” police said.

“There were two cars involved, and the road is blocked.”

The Philip Rescue Helicopter shown on Flightradar24 at the scene. Image / Flightradar24.

Hato Hone St John was notified of the motor vehicle accident in Matatā at 9.21am and responded with three ambulances, one rapid response unit, one manager and a helicopter to the scene.

“Our crews assessed and treated three patients in a serious condition, and one patient in a minor condition who were all transported to Tauranga hospital.”

Map showing Thornton Rd, Bay of Plenty. Image / Google Maps.

Fire and Emergency NZ were notified at 9.19am and sent two fire crews from Edgecumbe and one from Matatā to the scene.

“There was one person trapped in a vehicle,” northern shift manager Paul Radden said.

“We have worked with extrication equipment and have now removed that person.”

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email [email protected]