Eleven people were taken to Gisborne Hospital, five in a serious condition, and three each in moderate and minor conditions, a Hato Hone St John spokesperson said.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it should contact Gisborne Police directly, or via 105, quoting P066755884, police said.
The crash happened about 5.20pm yesterday. Photo / Google Earth
Nearby resident Barry McLaughlin, who has lived in the area for 20 years, drove past the scene at the corner of Kirkpatrick and Wharekopae Rds shortly after the crash.
He told the Herald he saw police and members of the public assisting several patients.
The vehicle appeared to be a white Toyota Hiace van, and those being treated appeared to be from Pacific Island communities, McLaughlin said.
He believed the van may have been transporting seasonal workers.
The road is a main thoroughfare for seasonal workers, with “car after car” carrying workers in the mornings, many of whom are employed on the East Coast pruning trees.
Multiple people were injured in the crash on Wharekopae Rd near Pātūtahi. Photo / Google
The road is notorious for crashes, McLaughlin said.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager said a vehicle went off the road.
No one was trapped after the crash, the shift manager said.
Fire and Emergency’s response included one crew from Pātūtahi, two crews from Gisborne and an additional team providing support.