Man killed in two-car crash in Rangitikei District

A 23-year-old man has been killed in a two-car crash on State Highway 3 at Whangaehu, south of Whanganui earlier today.

Traffic is being diverted from State Highway 3 at Whangaeuhu, south of Whanganui while the serious crash unit investigates.

The driver of the second vehicle has been transported to Whanganui Hospital with moderate injuries.

The crash happened on the highway near Ruatangata Rd around 12.30pm. Traffic is banked up as the road remains closed.

"Motorists are being diverted along Warrengate Rd and No. 2 Line north of the scene, and along Turakina Valley Road to the south," a police statement said.

"The Serious Crash Unit is investigating and the road will be closed for some time.
Diversions are in place which will add significant time to people's journeys, we ask motorists to please be patient."

UPDATE 2:30PM#SH3 remains CLOSED at the intersection with Whangaehu Beach Road. A detour is in place. Please continue to follow the directions of emergency services. ^EW
https://t.co/6L20ElCa1T

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) September 2, 2018

1:10PM UPDATE
The crash on SH3 in Whangaehu has been confirmed as serious and the road is now CLOSED at the intersection with Whangaehu Beach Road.
Please follow the directions of emergency services. ^EL
https://t.co/6L20ElCa1T

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) September 2, 2018

A Central Fire and Emergency spokesman said fire fighters were called to the scene to help with the extrication process. He said police were the lead agency due to it being a serious crash so could not provide further details.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said the crash was near the intersection of SH3 and Whangaehu Beach Rd.

Photo / Bevan Conley.