State Highway 1 north of Levin was closed for several hours Friday after a crash involving a Hato Hone St John rapid response vehicle and a truck left two people seriously injured.
Police said they were notified of the two-vehicle crash near Poroutawhao about 10.45am.
A Hato Hone St John paramedic and the truck driver were both seriously injured and taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.
Hato Hone St John MidCentral area operations manager Gareth Collings confirmed one of the service’s rapid response vehicles was involved.
Two ambulances were sent to the scene to assist.
“The rapid response vehicle will be assessed today to determine whether it is road worthy,” Collings said.
“Hato Hone St John takes the safety of the public and its people seriously and will be supporting Police with their investigation.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted by this incident and we are offering support to our people who were involved.”
The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the highway reopened about 2.10pm, but motorists were warned to expect delays while traffic cleared.
A passing motorist, Geoff Lewis, told 1News the crash involved a gas bottle delivery truck and an ambulance. He said the road was closed because the site was considered hazardous.
Police said the Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash and earlier asked motorists to delay travel and check the NZTA Journey Planner for alternative routes.