One trapped in three-car crash on State Highway 1

One person was trapped after a three-car crash near Sanson.

A police spokeswoman said they were called to the crash, on State Highway 1 near Fagan Rd, between Bulls and Sanson about 2.30pm on Monday.

About 15 people were involved in the incident, and one man was trapped in a vehicle, Feilding fire brigade chief fire officer Bradley Shanks said.

It took some time to extract him, and he was then airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital.

Bulls fire brigade station officer Ryan Cooper said the man was in a serious, but stable condition, while the other parties suffered only minor injures.

Shanks said there were two children, including a baby, in one of the damaged cars.

‘‘The green car had a couple of kids in it and the car seats were fitted correctly, so they have come out OK.’’

It was initially believed four cars were involved in the incident, but was later determined the fourth vehicle belonged to a witness who stopped to help.

The spokeswoman said traffic was heavy, with a line of cars backed-up to Bulls.

Diversions were put in place at Fagan and Speedy Roads while the scene was cleared. The road reopened just before 5.30pm.

All those involved in the crash were properly restrained and police believed that had saved their lives, she said.

PHOTO: WARWICK SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ Levi Lamb, 11, left, and Rhys Hislop-rankin, 12, both from Levin, on their way to claiming their prizes. They won Mcdonald’s vouchers and a table tennis bat and ball.

PHOTO: WARWICK SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ A man had to be cut from his car after the three-car smash.