Child dead in crash near Tirau, detour in place

The serious crash unit is investigating the scene and diversions are in place. Photo / File

A child is dead after a crash on a rural highway near Tirau involving a car and a pedestrian.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 5, between SH1 and the SH28 in Tapapa, southeast of Tirau at 4.51pm.

A police spokeswoman confirmed a child died at the scene, but would not give further details.

The serious crash unit is investigating the scene and diversions are in place.

"Motorists should avoid the SH5 link for some hours," a police statement said.

A detour via SH28 and SH1 is in place and will add around 10 minutes to regular travel time, an NZTA statement said.

No further information would be released until next of kin had been contacted and a scene examination had been completed.

A serious crash has CLOSED SH5 east of Tirau. A detour is in place, expect minor delays in area. ^LC pic.twitter.com/fWIyktzHaT

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) October 5, 2015