Person dies after crash near Tirau

Emergency services were sent to the scene at 8.35pm. Photo / File

One person has died following a two-car crash on State Highway 1, just north of Tirau.

Earlier this evening a St John ambulance spokeswoman said an ambulance was at the scene and a Waikato Westpac rescue chopper had been called in from Hamilton.

But the person, who sustained critical injuries in the crash, died before the helicopter arrived.

Emergency services were sent to the scene at 8.35pm.

The northbound lane was blocked, a police spokesman said.

A passing motorist said a single police car was parked across the road. A tow truck was parked behind it.

Motorists heading north were being diverted down State Highway 27, towards Matamata, the witness said.

The Serious Crash Unit had been advised, the police spokesman said.

More to come