5 Mar 2017

Section of Desert Road reopens after crash

9:02 pm on 5 March 2017

The Desert Road in the central North Island has reopened after a two-car crash this afternoon.

Police attending the serious crash on Desert Road.

Police attending the serious crash on Desert Road. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett

Six people were flown to hospital with serious injuries and two others suffered moderate injuries in the collision.

The collision happened on State Highway 1, about 5 kilometres north of the Tree Trunk Gorge Road intersection just before 3pm today.

The Desert Road was closed between Waiouru and Rangipo for some hours but it has now reopened.

Police said the road was damaged in the crash and there would be ongoing delays while repairs were carried out.

The serious crash unit is investigating.