A two-vehicle crash involving a St John ambulance has forced the closure SH3 in Taranaki.
At about 5:20am on Thursday morning, emergency services responded to the crash involving one of their own on SH3 between Surrey Rd and Denbigh Rd near Midhirst.
A St John spokesperson confirmed with Newshub that an ambulance was involved in the two-vehicle.
"At the time of the crash the ambulance was not responding to an incident and there were no patients on board."
St John responded to the crash with two ambulances and one manager.
"One patient was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in a serious condition while two other patients were taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in a moderate and minor condition."
In a Facebook post, Waka Kotahi said the section of the road is closed and encouraged motorists to use the detour in place.
The St John spokesperson said it will continue to investigate the incident and work with police.
"Our thoughts are with everyone involved."
Police are urging locals to "avoid the area".
