As per reports, a road accident involving a two-vehicle crash occurred at around 1430 hours (local time) at the State Highway (SH) 3 near Taranaki on Monday (21 April). The collision reportedly led to the immediate closure of SH3 between Mangamaio Road and Pukeruhe Road.

• Emergency services responded promptly, including three ambulances, two helicopters, and multiple support vehicles.
• As a result, one person was confirmed dead at the scene, and four others were injured. Two of the injured were transported by road to the Taranaki Base Hospital, while another critically injured person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
• Additionally, the New Zealand Transport Agency advised motorists to avoid the area and follow diversions via Pukeruhe Road and Mimi Road.