One dead, one critically injured after car hits tree in Te Puke

One person is dead and another is critically injured after a car hit a tree in Te Puke. Photo/George Novak

One person is dead and another is critically injured after a car hit a tree in Te Puke.

Sergeant Rob Glencross said from the scene that two males were in the car when it crashed. He would not be drawn on the ages of the occupants.

The driver of the vehicle died at the scene and his passenger had been taken to hospital in critical condition, Mr Glencross said.

Speaking about 7.45pm, he expected the road to be closed for an hour.

Mr Glencross said the crash was a tragedy.

Acting Senior Sergeant Phil Wilkinson said that at 6.05pm a vehicle travelling on Jellicoe St in Te Puke left the road and struck a large tree.

A reporter at the scene said a cordon was set up at the intersection of Dunlop Rd and traffic was being diverted down Aturoa Ave.