SH1 north of Whangārei reopens after fatal crash

Police at the southern end of the SH1 diversion through Hikurangi after a child died in a head-on crash. Photo / Imran Ali

State Highway 1 north of Whangārei has reopened after a serious head-on crash this afternoon where a child died.

Five others have been injured in the crash with one of them fighting for their life.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 1 at Hikurangi - between George St and Jordan Valley Rd - about 4.20pm after what was reported to be a head-on crash involving two vehicles.

It's believed a child has died in the crash. Police say a further five people have been injured, one critically, two seriously and two moderately.

The road was closed for several hours but has now reopened.

UPDATE 6:30PM
Due to a serious crash near Jordan Valley Rd, SH1 Hikurangi remains CLOSED. Northbound travellers to detour via George St and King St onto SH1, reverse for southbound travellers. ^APhttps://t.co/n4h3ObmaX3

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 1, 2021

Diversions have been put in place through Hikurangi Township while emergency services deal with the crash and clear the scene.

The Police Serious Crash Unit has been called.

No further information is available at this stage