Man killed in crash was breaching learner licence

Police say it was the 13th fatal crash in the Waikato to involve drivers breaching graduated licences or driving while subject to a suspension or disqualification.

A 22-year-old man killed in a head-on crash in Te Awamutu was in breach of his learner's licence, police say.

Local man Chaz Mourea Morgan died at the scene of the crash on Paterangi Rd at about 4.20pm yesterday.

Waikato Highway Patrol Head Senior Sergeant Steve Ambler said he was in breach of the conditions of his learner driver's licence at the time of the crash.

"Yesterday's crash was the 13th fatal crash in the Waikato to involve drivers breaching graduated licences or driving while subject to a court ordered suspension or disqualification," he said.

"This is particularly upsetting for those left to pick up the pieces. We have a graduated licence programme in place to allow drivers to build up their experience and skills in a safe environment and, as we've seen, if those conditions are breached it can have tragic consequences."

The incident is under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit, but Mr Ambler said it was too early to confirm the cause of the crash.

"Initial indications are that a Mazda car heading towards Te Awamutu has failed to negotiate a bend and crossed the centre line, colliding head-on with a Ford Falcon XR6 sedan travelling in the opposite direction," he said.

The 63-year-old woman driving the Ford was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. Her 10-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries, while an 8-year-old passenger remained in hospital with moderate to serious injuries.

Any witnesses to yesterday's crash, who haven't already spoken to police, are asked to contact Senior Constable Peter Maher of the Te Awamutu Road Safety Team on 07 8720100.