One killed in fiery car crash near Palmerston North

File photo / Martin Sykes

Dental records may need to be used to identity a man killed in a fiery car crash at Tiakitahuna on State Highway 56 near Longburn, Palmerston North, this morning.

Senior Sergeant Sue O'Neil, Palmerston North police response manager, said only one person was in the car when it crashed in a concrete culvert and caught fire about 4.35am near Jackeytown Road.

Police understand the white Honda Accord had been travelling from the Himitangi area towards Palmerston North. Police are investigating an earlier report of a vehicle crashing into a fence about 10km south of the fatal scene. It is not yet known if the two incidents are linked.

"We have a lot of investigative work to do in finding out the circumstances of the crash and confirming the driver's details," Senior Sergeant O'Neil said. Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the car on the road between 3.30am and 4.35am when it is thought to have hit the concrete culvert, flipped upside down and burst into flames.

"The car is extensively damaged and the fire trauma is such that we may need to use forensic evidence such as dental records to identify the driver," she said. "Inquiries are continuing with people in the area to see if they heard or saw anything.

"The victim's name will be released once the body has been identified and next of kin informed."

The body has been removed from the car and the wreckage itself is now in secure storage in Palmerston North.

Anyone who can help with information about the crash should contact Palmerston North Police on 06 351 3600.

- NZ Herald staff