Three dead after crash in Dannevirke

Three people have died including a 2-year-old girl after a two-car crash north of Dannevirke last night.

Police said it appears one vehicle crossed the centre lane and collided with the other at about 10pm on State Highway 2 and Tataramoa Road.

The 2-year-old girl was travelling with her parents, who were transported to Palmerston North Hospital.

The father died shortly after midnight. The mother remains in hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Inspector Mike Coleman from central communications said.

An elderly woman, believed to be in her 70s, travelling in the other vehicle died at the scene.

Mr Coleman said a second female occupant was flown to hospital.

The serious crash unit continue to investigate.

- NZPA