One killed in collision with Intercity bus

File photo / NZ Herald

One person is dead after a car collided with an Intercity bus at Awakino in Taranaki today.

Police were called to the scene of the crash at State Highway 3 at 12.30pm today.

An Intercity bus with 21 people on it was travelling southbound, and a car was travelling northbound when the crash occurred near the southern end of the Awakino Gorge which is north of New Plymouth.

The driver of the car, who was also the sole occupant, died at the scene. The bus driver and passengers were left shaken but sustained no injuries.

Police say preliminary indications suggested the car crossed the centreline and collided with the bus. An investigation was ongoing and further inquiries needed to determine the cause of the crash.

The Taranaki Serious Crash Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit are currently conducting a scene examination and speaking to witnesses.

The Awakino Gorge section of State Highway 3 was closed for two hours after the collision, but one lane is now operational. It is expected that the road will be fully open in the next few hours.

A replacement bus is on its way to pick up the passengers and transport them to their intended destination of New Plymouth.

No further details about the man will be released until formal identification is complete and next of kin has been informed.