One dead in collision near Taumarunui

Photo / Martin Sykes

One person is dead after a van and car collided near Ongarue, north of Taumarunui, today.

The crash happened about 3pm on State Highway 4 near Tapuiwahine, 30km north of Taumarunui, a police central communications spokesman said.

The front passenger of the car, a man, died at the scene and the driver of the car, also male, was airlifted by the Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance to Waikato Hospital in critical condition.

The other passenger of the car was taken to hospital by road ambulance.

The driver of the van was taken by ambulance to Waikato Hospital
where he's being treated for moderate chest injuries.

Taumarunui fire rescue, St John and police attended the scene and the traffic was stopped for some time. One lane has been reopened to traffic but motorists are urged to take care in the area.

- NZPA, NZ Herald staff