News from NZ Police
Thirteen people have been injured in a crash involving a car and van in South Taranaki.

The crash happened on Hastings Road, Matapu at about 9.55am.

Most of the injuries range from minor to moderate. But two people are believed to be in a serious condition. Four helicopters are airlifting people to hospital.

Hastings Road, between Skeet and Eltham roads, is likely to remain closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

News from RNZ
Eleven children are among those injured in the crash between a car and a van in Taranaki.

Four ambulances and four helicopters attended the crash, with two patients airlifted to Waikato Hospital in serious condition, St John said.

Two others in moderate conditions were airlifted to Whanganui Hospital, while nine others were transported by ambulance to Hāwera Hospital and Taranaki Hospital.

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Ruahinerangi has confirmed 11 tamariki and one kaiako (teacher) were involved in the crash. One other person was injured.

“Our immediate thoughts are with our Tamariki and wider whānau members,” Renee Wright, chairperson of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Ruahinerangi said. “Karakia have been conducted at the kura and at the site to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of all involved.”

News from Philip Search & Rescue Trust Helicopters

On Wednesday morning, three of the Philip Search & Rescue Trust helicopters – the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter and the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter – were dispatched to the crash in South Taranaki. The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was also on scene.

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew arrived at around 10.40am following shortly after the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter stabilised a patient for approximately 40 minutes before airlifting the individual, who had sustained serious injuries, to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter arrived just prior to 11am. The onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic treated the patient before transporting the individual to Waikato Hospital. The patient had sustained significant injuries requiring prompt medical attention.

The Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter arrived at approximately 10.45am and the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic and highly trained crew worked to stabilise a patient for approximately 35 minutes before transporting the individual to Whanganui Hospital, with a flight time of 25 minutes.

Three patients were transported via road to Whanganui Hospital, and six were transported to Taranaki Hospital by road. Another patient was transported by the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter to Whanganui Hospital.