Double fatal on notorious Hawke's Bay road in Meeanee

A police spokesman said two people died in the accident and a third person had serious injuries. Photo / Google

Two people have died after two vehicles collided on a notorious stretch of road in Meeanee, Hawke's Bay.

It was the seventh fatal crash on Sandy Rd in the past 12 years.

A police spokesman said two people died in the accident and a third person was seriously injured.

The Serious Crash Unit was in attendance and northbound traffic was diverted at Sandy and Brookfield roads. Southbound traffic used Brookfield and Meeanee roads.

A witness at the scene compared the vehicles to ''crumpled tin cans''.

A St John Ambulance Service spokesperson said they received a call about 4.30pm and arrived at the scene at 4.49pm.

She confirmed one person had been transported to Hawke's Bay Hospital with critical injuries and another with minor injuries.

The road, lined with trees, hedges and orchards, has become increasingly busy in the past few years and it is an alternative route during rush hour.

The history
August 2, 2018: Two people killed in crash on Sandy Rd bend west of Meeanee Speedway.

April 6, 2017: Cyclist killed when hit by a truck on the stretch of road between the bridge and Pakowhai Rd.

February 19, 2013: Teenaged female passenger killed as one of two cars in a chase crashes into a tree in Sandy Rd after speeding through the intersection from Awatoto Rd.

December 1, 2007: Crash on Brookfield Rd bend results in deaths of two men.

May 27, 2007: Teenaged male passenger dies when car crashed on Brookfield Rd, between the bend and Pakowhai Rd.