Rotorua car crash victim from Otaki

The woman who died in a head-on crash that injured five others near Rotorua has been named.

She was Helen Knox, 49, also known as Helen Veale, from Otaki.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash on SH5 at Waimangu at 4.45pm on Sunday.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Megan Ruru said fire crews worked to free multiple trapped people.

Three people were transported to hospital by ambulance and two people were airlifted to Rotorua and Waikato Hospitals.

One of the injured, a 58-year-old Rotorua local, suffered pelvic, chest and abdominal injuries and was flown in a serious condition.

Police were now looking for witnesses to the crash or anyone who saw the vehicles on the road beforehand.

The vehicles involved where a northbound bronze Nissan Murano and two southbound cars a white Nissan Pulsar and a dark blue Mazda Axela.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Rotorua Police on (07) 349 9400.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.