One killed in Manawatu crash

A woman is dead and two others are injured after a car crash in Papatawa in the Manawatu around midnight.

Emergency services were called to the crash, at the intersection of State Highway Two and Martin Road, around 12.15am.

The car was travelling west on SH2 when the male driver lost control on a sweeping right-hand bend and crashed into the side barriers of a rail overbridge, police central communications Inspector Marty Parker said.

One of the female passengers was fatally injured and died at the scene, while the other was thrown from the car by the force of the crash and suffered "major injuries", Mr Parker said.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was cooperating with police.

Alcohol and speed were thought to have been involved.

SH2 between Papatawa and Woodville was closed, with diversions in place around Hopelands Road, Jackson Road and Gaisford Road.

Lengthy delays were expected.

- NZPA