Gisborne crash leaves 11 injured as emergency crews close Wharekopae Rd

Eleven people have been taken to hospital tonight after emergency services scrambled to a serious crash involving a van near Gisborne.

Hato Hone St John said five patients are in a serious condition, three patients in a moderate condition and three patients in a minor condition.

They were transported to Gisborne Hospital.

St John responded to the incident with five ambulances, two rapid response units, two operations managers, three helicopters and a Major Incident Support Team.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident just before 5.20pm which closed Wharekopae Rd near Pātūtahi.

Nearby resident Barry McLaughlin, who has lived in the area for 20 years, drove past the scene at the corner of Kirkpatrick and Wharekopae Rds shortly after the crash.

He told the Herald he saw police and members of the public assisting several patients.

McLaughlin said the vehicle appeared to be a white Toyota Hiace van, and those being treated appeared to be from Pacific Island communities. He believed the van may have been transporting seasonal workers.

He said the road is a main thoroughfare for seasonal workers, with “car after car” carrying workers in the mornings, many of whom are employed on the East Coast pruning trees.

McLaughlin added the road is notorious for crashes.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager said crews attended the scene after a vehicle went off the road.

They confirmed that no one was trapped. The response included one crew from Pātūtahi, two crews from Gisborne and an additional team providing support.

Fire and Emergency staff were on-site for scene management and patient care.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area while emergency crews respond and investigations are underway.

Drivers can expect delays and should seek alternative routes where possible.