UPDATE 6.15pm State Highway 29 has reopened after a serious crash on the Matamata side of the Kaimai summit.
The crash, between a truck and a ute, occurred near the lookout around 1.20pm, says a police spokesperson.
One person is in a serious condition and diversions were in place.
The New Zealand Transport Agency says to expect delays through the area until congestion is cleared.
A statement from police says the investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.
UPDATE 2.06PM: One person is in a serious condition following a crash on State Highway 29.
A police spokesperson says they have received a report of a crash on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Range.
The call came in at 1.20pm.
"The crash, between a truck and a ute, occurred near the lookout," says police.
"One person has serious injuries and there are blockages."
Backed-up traffic on SH29.
Police are looking to establish cordons and people are being adivsed to avoid the area.
A reporter at the scene says police are diverting traffic down Poripori Road on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Range.
An NZTA spokesperson is advising Tauranga traffic for north to please use SH2 via Karangahake Gorge. From Matamata, please use SH24, SH28, SH5, SH36. Consider delaying your journey or be prepared for long detours.
2:00PM - Reports of a serious crash on #SH29 on the Lower Kaimai just east of the intersection with SH28. More to come when known. Avoid the area if possible as detours may be required. Expect delays. ^MF pic.twitter.com/lGX39pTKDa
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) February 23, 2021
Traffic is delayed on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Summit. Image: Google Maps.
EARLIER:
A truck crash is being reported on State Highway 29, near the Kaimai Summit.
A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there is a crash between a car and truck on the Matamata side of the summit.
"Traffic is backing up."
Emergency services have been called to the scene.
SunLive is working on getting more information and will provide an update when we can.
At the scene?
Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz
2 comments
Kaimai road
Posted on 23-02-2021 15:55 | By CliftonGuy
Another statistic supporting the need for a road tunnel.
Speeding utes
Posted on 23-02-2021 17:58 | By Womby
I regularly travel this road and every trip I see utes, particularly double cab late model ones driving like idiots, way faster than the design and suspension allows for. I know how powerful these mainly turbo diesels are but they look very unstable around the corners. As soon as they get the passing lane they are off and aggressively corner and pass the trucks etc as the slow lane ends. Sign written company ones are regular offenders too
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