SH2 re-opens after crash

The crash scene has been cleared and the road has re-opened. Photo: Supplied.

UPDATED 6:59PM: Traffic is now flowing following a two vehicle crash south of Katikati this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 just before 3.30pm.

The crash forced police to close the highway, which was later re-opened just after 5pm.

Police say two people were injured in the crash and both occupants, one from each vehicle, sustained serious injuries.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says traffic is now flowing as they make their way through Katikati, heading towards Tauranga.

EARLIER:

Police re-opened SH2 near Rea Road Katikati to one lane about 5pm, and to two lanes about 20 minutes later, but are advising people to avoid using the road for some time because of the significant traffic backlog.

Two cars collided on a straight section of road near the Rereatukahia Stream bridge about 3.15pm.

Two people were trapped in each of the cars involved. Both are injured but police say they are not life threatening.

Traffic remains backed up for a considerable distance. Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion advises people to delay their journey because of the significant backlogs.

Travellers say traffic is backed up North of Katikati to Kauri Point and south as far as Aongatete.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advises people to divert through State Highway 29 Kaimai Ranges.

Motorists heading to the Bay of Plenty can turn off at Paeroa and use State Highway 26, State Highway 27 then State Highway 24 to reach State Highway 29.

The diversion could add an extra 45 minutes to a normal journey.

Road users are asked to avoid the area or delay all non-essential travel.

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7 comments

what a difference a few days makes

Posted on 10-01-2017 19:15 | By Captain Sensible

1530 was the time of the accident but traffic was flowing again by 1700. Well done to the emergency services. Wonder why the road was closed for 4.5 hours on Saturday for an accident in a similar spot. Maybe waiknot can explain?


Oh Captain

Posted on 10-01-2017 21:34 | By waiknot

The answer is simple, this particular incident does not appear to require the serious crash unit due to the chances of it been fatal are minimal. That aside 1.5 hours by your standards is a long time for a mere minor incident. As you say 1 hour for a potential fatal is sufficient, than 1.5 here must rate as outrageous by your standards.


@ waiknot

Posted on 11-01-2017 08:45 | By Captain Sensible

It says in the article that the crash is still under investigation ....yet the roads were opened. So explain why you think this crash does not appear to need a crash unit investigation when it clearly states it is under investigation. BTW, I have never said 1 hour is sufficient; I say 1 hour PLUS the time to attend to the casualties. Can you see the difference?


Captain

Posted on 11-01-2017 11:13 | By waiknot

Read my comment below your question is already answered. I might end this discussion, initially I found you mildly amusing now your lack of understanding is becoming irritating. Good luck.


Here we go again

Posted on 11-01-2017 12:12 | By Taffy

As long as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west you two( Captain Sensible & Walknot) will never agree.Just agree to disagree.If this is what the rest of us are going to have to endure every time there,s an accident reported heaven help us .I think walknot got it right on his latest post at 11.13.Suggest if you wish to continue use a chat line then you can argue among yourselves.Your disagreements have become BORING!!!


@ taffy

Posted on 11-01-2017 14:46 | By Captain Sensible

And you are........? here's a newsflash; I don't get my advice from a Sunlive post! Duh


@Captain Sensible

Posted on 11-01-2017 17:09 | By Taffy

Reply to your Question... Treating it with the contempt it deserves. Have a nice day!


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