SH5 remains closed – 80 people still to be rescued
MEDIA RELEASE
5 October – 0530hrs
The Napier-Taupo Highway (State Highway 5) remains closed, with some vehicles still trapped in heavy snow. Taupo Civil Defence have declared a state of emergency in the area, and rescue crews continue to free trapped road users.
Snow-ploughs and graders are now working in the area to free those trapped in vehicles, with approximately 80 people still to be reached by rescue crews.
More than 200 people have now been processed at the welfare centre set up in the Taupo Events Centre, with more on their way. 4WD vehicles continue to rescue passengers from vehicles, ferrying them to the Rangitaiki Tavern, from where they are bussed to the Taupo welfare centre.
“Most people received have been in good spirits and there have been no reports of serious injury. The important thing now is to have the highway checked to ensure that there are no stranded motorists left on the road,” said Civil Defence Area Controller Joe Mickelson.
Taupo District Council have an 0800 number set up for concerned families to check on anyone not accounted for, the number is 0800 ASK TDC (0800 275 832).