At about 11.15am on 4th February 2012, a crash involving 3 cars occurred on SH1, just South of Te Horo, at a location known as Marycrest.

Police are not providing details that are able to describe vehicles involved until all next of kin have been advised. A north bound white car was stopped on SH1 indicating to turn Right into a private driveway. This vehicle was pulled as far to the right in the North bound lane to allow traffic to pass on its left.

A small truck failed to notice that this white car had stopped, and the truck collided with the rear of this white car, pushing the car into the South bound lane, where it collided with another white car.

The North bound white car had 2 adults and 3 children travelling in it and they were all admitted to Hospital. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was used by the Emergency Services for a 10 year old boy who is in a critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery. A 7 year old girl has spinal injuries and injuries to the remaining occupants were not known, but at the time of this report, the injuries were not life threatening.

The truck had 2 occupants, where they were treated at the scene and it is understood that they did not require any further medical treatment.

The South bound white car had 2 adult passengers travelling in it and again these people were treated at the scene and did not require further medical treatment.

Upon the initial stages of the investigation, it appears that alcohol has not been involved, but this can not be ruled out. Speed, road conditions and driver factors will be investigated and once this has been completed, a decision will be made as to whether charges will follow.

Finally Police would like to thank the public for their patience as the Crash site closed SH1 for about 4 hours and traffic was backed up in both directions, even though a diversion was put in place.