The team left the Gisborne hangar just after 2pm in response to Saturday’s two-vehicle crash that occurred on State Highway 2, near Dunlop Rd at Waiotahe, after which one person died at the scene.

With reports of multiple injuries suffered by five patients, rescue helicopters from Taupo and Hamilton were also dispatched, as were teams from NZ Police, Hato Hone St John, and Fire and Emergency NZ.

While the Hamilton helicopter was stood down before reaching the scene, the Gisborne and Taupo teams treated their patients before transferring them in serious condition to Waikato and Tauranga hospitals respectively.

Hato Hone St John transported a further two people with moderate injuries to Whakatāne Hospital.

NZ Police says the Serious Crash Unit had carried out a scene examination and inquiries into the crash were ongoing.

CAPTION: ON SCENE: The Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter on scene just south of Opotiki after Saturday’s two-vehicle crash, in which one person died and four were injured.