Five people have been killed in a two-vehicle crash near Te Awamutu, in the Waikato.
The head-on crash occurred just before 4:45 p.m. on State Highway 3 / Ohaupo Rd.
Police said in an initial statement that several people were injured.
Waikato highway patrol manager Inspector Jeff Penno later confirmed the multiple fatalities. The New Zealand Herald reported.
“Unfortunately at this stage five people have been killed in this head-on crash,” Insp Penno told the newspaper Herald.
Ins Penno told Stuff it appeared one of the vehicles had crossed the center line.
St. John said three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and two operations managers were on site, but did not say how many patients were being treated.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three trucks from Te Awamutu and Chartwell also responded.
Ohaupo Rd is closed between Jary Rd and Ngaroto Rd and motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Diversions have been put in place and Waipā District Council said the road is likely to be closed for several hours.
– RNZ/ODT online