Enquiries Ongoing into Serious Crash on SH2, Ōpōtiki

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:55 AM

By Aimee Stanton

Waiotahe Beach Road was closed for around 7 hours last night following a two-vehicle crash.

Emergency services were notified of a two-vehicle crash on Waiotahe Beach Road around 8:30pm yesterday.

St John reported that eight people sustained injuries in the crash, with some suffering minor injuries and others in critical condition, all transported to hospital.

Four Ambulances, a Critical Care Unit, an Operations Manager, two helicopters, and the Major Incident Support Team attended the scene.

One patient was transported to Waikato Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition, one to Whakatane Hospital by ambulance in a serious condition, alongside four patients in a moderate condition and two patients in a minor condition.

NZTA closed the road while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and it reopened between 3.30am and 4am this morning.

Police said enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

We’re committed to keeping the Eastern Bay informed with accurate, timely coverage.
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