Taranaki road accident: one dead, four seriously injured in SH3 crash

A tragic Monday afternoon on State Highway 3 near Mimi, a locality in Northern Taranaki, in the North Island of New Zealand, has left one person dead and four others with serious injuries following a two-vehicle collision. Emergency services rushed to the scene, located between Wharekauri and Mangamaio roads, around 2:30 p.m., April 21.

The incident prompted a quick response, including the deployment of three helicopters, three ambulances, and multiple rapid response units from Hato Hone St John.

Fire and Emergency NZ were also called in, with crews from Urenui and Waitara working to free one person who was trapped in their vehicle.


Police have confirmed that one person involved in the crash has died. However, the identity of the deceased has not been revealed by the police.

The injured have been transported to both Taranaki Base Hospital and Waikato Hospital, with two individuals in serious condition taken by road to Taranaki, and one serious and one critical patient airlifted to Waikato for specialist care.

The Serious Crash Unit is now on-site, undertaking a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

As a result, State Highway 3 remains closed between the intersections of Mangamaio and Pukearuhe roads and is expected to be for a considerable time.

For those travelling in light vehicles, a detour is in place via Pukearuhe and Mimi Roads, operating under a stop/go system to manage traffic flow.

However, heavy vehicles are advised to either wait at the closure points or seek an alternative route as the detour is unsuitable for larger trucks and lorries.

Authorities are urging motorists to exercise patience and allow for extra travel time if they are using the detour. The closure will remain in effect until the Serious Crash Unit has completed their investigation.