Woman truckie killed in five-vehicle crash

The scene of a fatal truck accident at Lichfield on State Highway 1. Photo / John van de Ven / CreativeVisionNZ

A truckie in her 60s died this afternoon in a crash involving three cars and two trucks at a road works site.

She was one of two people who died in separate crashes on North Island roads today.

The woman was driving one of the trucks that crashed at 2.15pm on State Highway 1 at Lichfield, south of Putararu.

"Police were called to attend the crash at 2.15pm today between three cars and two trucks at a road works site," a spokesperson said.

"SH1 is still closed as heavy haulage recovery vehicles are working at the scene. The road will be closed for at least another hour.

"The name of the deceased should be released tomorrow. Police extend their sympathies to the victim's family and friends.

"Police ask that drivers in the area slow down, mind your following distances and drive to the conditions."

Meanwhile, a driver was rushed to Whakatane Hospital after a two-car crash at Te Teko Rd between Edgecumbe and Te Teko at 12.45pm. The person has since died. The other driver has minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and the road was closed, with diversions in place.

Firefighters used rescue gear and cutting equipment to extricate the trapped person, Northern Fire Communications shift manager Paul Radden said.

Motorists are advised to expect delays while the serious crash unit are at the scene.

Police also reminded motorists to drive to the conditions as weather conditions in the area deteriorated this evening - slow down, increase your following distance and, as always, fasten your seatbelt.

Radden said firefighters earlier got to work with rescue equipment to free one of the trapped truck drivers.