One person has been airlifted to hospital after a serious three-car crash in Opaki.
Two other people suffered injuries in the collision, which saw debris strewn across State Highway 2 just north of Masterton, and ripped the engine from the body of one vehicle.
Emergency services responded to the crash just before 8am yesterday.
Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed the Life Flight helicopter transported one person in a moderate condition to Wellington Hospital.
A second patient was transported with mild injuries to Masterton Hospital, while the third was treated at the scene.
The crash, which happened south of Wee Red Barn and the intersection with Racecourse Rd, closed the highway between Loopline Rd and Willow Park Drive for at least an hour, with detours in place.
Police said the Serious Crash Unit was advised of the crash, but was ultimately stood down, with Waka Kotahi NZTA advising motorists of the road reopening at 9.15am.
Masterton Fire Brigade, who responded to the collision with two trucks, confirmed no one was trapped.
Station officer Garry Nielsen said despite the carnage caused by a ute and trailer and two cars colliding, the injuries were mitigated by modern safety technology.
“The initial collision resulted in the engine being ripped from the car. There was a lot of debris from all the vehicles, and the trailer of the ute was broken in half.
“It was a testament to the car that was hit by both vehicles that the injuries weren’t worse,” Nielsen said.
“Being a late model vehicle, it was a safe vehicle, with seatbelts and airbags.
“All that technology makes it fare better on impact.”
