File image. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
State Highway 1 has been closed in both directions and two people are in a serious condition in Palmerston North Hospital after a crash in Rongotea.
One person is in a moderate condition and is still at the scene.
A person in a minor condition has not been taken to hospital
St John was alerted about 4.40pm
Two operations managers, two rapid response vehicles and three ambulances responded.
Police said SH1 was closed in both directions and diversions were in place.
An RNZ listener said it was a "huge" smash.