Car off highway, suspended by tree: One patient taken to hospital

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on Te Puke Highway with reports of critical injuries. 

The crash happened near the highway’s intersection with Rangiuru Rd in the Bay of Plenty. 

Police said the crash was reported at 10.50am today. 

“Initial indications are there are critical injuries,” a police spokesperson said. 

The road has been closed and diversions are in place, with motorists urged to avoid the area and expect delays. 

Hato Hone St John said it was alerted to the incident at 10.53am and responded with an ambulance, rapid response unit, operations manager and rescue helicopter. 

A St John spokesperson said one patient was treated at the scene before being transported by road ambulance to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition. 

A nearby resident who heard the crash said they did not initially realise what had happened. 

“I heard it happen but didn’t realise what it was. My dogs went bananas,” the resident said. 

After walking to the scene, the resident said the aftermath “looked bad” and they did not want to get too close in case they saw something distressing. 

“The car was suspended in a tree but thankfully it didn’t end up in the river,” the resident said. 

When the Herald called at around 12.05pm the helicopter could be heard leaving the scene. 

Flight tracking data appeared to show a rescue helicopter at the scene. Photo / Flightradar24 

Police said the Serious Crash Unit has been advised. 

The circumstances of the crash and the number of people involved were not immediately known. 

More to come ...