Several injured in crash near Clinton

Six people were taken to hospital yesterday after a serious head-on crash near Clinton.

Three people, two with serious injuries, were flown by rescue helicopter to Dunedin Hospital and three others were taken by ambulance after the two-vehicle crash near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Old Lake Rd, about 8km east of Clinton, about 4.20pm.

Two women, believed to be the drivers of the two vehicles, were the most seriously injured in the collision, Senior Sergeant Stephen Larking said.

A Fire Service spokesman said one woman had to be cut from her vehicle using the "jaws of life''.

Firefighters from Balclutha were at the scene for more than an hour.

One vehicle had four occupants, two of who were children, aged 6 and 18 months, and the other vehicle was carrying two people.

The crash closed both lanes of State Highway 1 and diversions remained in place for hours afterwards, Snr Sgt Larking said.

Serious crash investigators were at the scene yesterday and inquiries into the crash were ongoing.

The road reopened late last night.

A St John spokeswoman said three people, two seriously injured and one with moderate injuries, were flown to Dunedin Hospital by rescue helicopter.

Three helicopters were called to the scene and an ambulance from Balclutha also attended.

Three others were transported by ambulance to Dunedin Hospital, but the extent of their injuries was unclear.

The ages, genders and nature of the injuries of those tended to by paramedics were unavailable last night, the St John spokeswoman said.

Snr Sgt Larking said no charges had been laid yet, as the investigation was ongoing.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz

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