Three people are dead and one person is missing after a serious two-vehicle crash on the Desert Rd.
Emergency services were called to the accident on State Highway 1 at Waiōuru, between Shawcroft Rd and Access Rd No 17, just before 3am.
A police spokesperson said three people were found dead at the scene, while two further people suffered serious injuries and another person, who police believe was also in the vehicle, has not been accounted for.
A search and rescue operation is underway to locate them.
Hato Hone St John told the Herald two people in a serious condition were taken to hospital, one to Palmerston North via helicopter and the other to Wellington in an ambulance.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Shannon Lucas said a crew from Waiōuru was working to free one person trapped in a vehicle.
The Desert Road was closed between Rangipo and Waiōuru but has since reopened.
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