SH1 closure near Huntly

SH1 was closed for over three hours following a collision between a car and a horse float on the southern outskirts of Huntly today.

Waikato Serious Crash Unit investigators said initial indications on the cause of the crash, which happened about 11.38am near the intersection of Spiers Rd, were that a southbound car crossed the centre line and collided with a horse float being towed by a northbound truck.

The male driver of the car lost an arm in the crash and was taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious to critical condition.

A second person was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries.

Initial reports of two horses being killed in the collision were incorrect with only one animal dying at the scene and three surviving.

SH1 was reopened shortly after 3.15pm