Critical Injuries Reported After Two-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down State Highway 93

MATAURA, NZ — A serious two-vehicle collision on State Highway 93 has left one person fighting for their life and forced the complete closure of a major transit corridor between Mataura and Clinton.

The violent crash occurred on the stretch of highway known locally as Old Coach Road, specifically between Range Road and Kaiwera Road. Emergency services were alerted to the scene at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 following reports of a severe collision between two vehicles.

First responders, including police, fire crews, and medical personnel, rushed to the rural location. Due to the severity of the injuries sustained by one of the occupants, an emergency rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene. The patient was treated by paramedics before being airlifted directly to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.

The impact left the highway blocked with debris, prompting authorities to close State Highway 93 in both directions from the Mataura township through to Kaiwera Road.

Police confirmed that the road will remain closed for an extended period while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a thorough scene examination to establish the exact cause of the accident.

Official diversions have been put in place, with motorists being redirected to use State Highway 1. The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has urged drivers to avoid the area entirely, opt for alternative routes, and expect significant travel delays while emergency crews clear the scene.

Local residents have noted that this particular stretch of State Highway 93 can be notoriously difficult to navigate, especially during winter months when black ice and low visibility frequently plague the region's rural routes. Safety advocates have previously called for structural upgrades along the corridor, citing a history of near-misses due to the highway's undulating terrain and sharp bends. While it is too early to determine if environmental conditions played a role in this specific incident, the intersection and surrounding topography are expected to form a core part of the Serious Crash Unit's upcoming investigation.