House fire and car crash claim two lives

Two people are dead following a house fire and a car crash in Auckland this morning.

One person, believed to be elderly, was killed in a house fire in Ballarat St, Ellerslie, just after 2.30am.

Firefighters found the fire "well involved" when they arrived and were told someone was still in the house, said northern fire communications acting shift manager Paul Radden.

A search once the fire was under control confirmed the fire was fatal, he said.

Shortly after, emergency services attended a two-car crash at the corner of Universal Dr and Lincoln Rd, Henderson, about 2.55am.

Two crews, each with cutting gear, were needed to cut one person from each of the vehicles but one of the victims did not survive.

Police were unable to provide any further details about the deceased early this morning.

- NZPA