Two dead in head-on Northland smash

Two people are dead and several others injured after a head-on crash between a car and a van about 5km south of Kawakawa in the Far North this morning.

The dead are an 86-year-old man who was driving the southbound car and a middle-aged woman who was a front seat passenger in the northbound van.

The accident happened about 7am on State Highway 1 and traffic had to be diverted for several hours.

Bay of Islands police chief Senior Sergeant Dan Dickison said three people from the van, including two children aged about 10 or 11, were airlifted to Whangarei Hospital. Two other passengers were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

"Indications are that the driver of the van has internal injuries which may be life-threatening," Mr Dickison said. "At least two other passengers have serious fractures."

The dead and vehicles were cleared from the scene shortly after 10am and the road re-opened to the public. Before the bodies were removed, the scene was blessed by the Fire Service Iwi Liasion, Willy Moore.

'At this stage, there are no indications that speed or alcohol contributed to the crash. Both of the deceased were wearing seatbelts, while the others are yet to be confirmed," said Mr Dickison.

Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash were good.

"At this time of the year there are a lot of motorists on the road," said Mr Dickison. "Police urge drivers to take their time getting to their destinations and to be mindful of other road users."

- NZPA