Thirteen believed injured in Taranaki crash, helicopters responding

Thirteen people are believed to be injured, two seriously, following a crash involving a car and a van in southern Taranaki this morning.

Police said the two-vehicle crash occurred on Hastings Rd in Matapu at around 9.55am.

"Most of the injuries are believed to range from minor to moderate, but two people are believed to be in a serious condition," a police spokesperson said.

"Four helicopters are airlifting people to hospital."

Fire and Emergency NZ also responded with crews from Eltham, Kaponga, and Okaiawa attending the scene.

Hastings Rd was likely to be closed between Skeet and Eltham roads for some time while the serious crash unit conducted a scene examination, they added.

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter were sent to the scene.

A spokesperson for the Phillips Search and Rescue Trust said four patients were taken to hospital via the helicopters and nine were taken to hospital via road.

St John has been contacted for comment.