Fatal crash shuts down SH2 near Waihi

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal crash on SH2 at Waihi. Photo/Melanie Camoin

One person has died in a crash on State Highway 2 at Waihi, sparking calls for the speed limit to be reduced.

The road has been closed after the crash, with police saying they expect it to be closed for some time. Police confirmed they were working on diversions after a car and truck collided on the main highway, near Dean Cres on the western side of the town.

Detours in place following Serious Crash on #SH2 Waihi. Info- https://t.co/COECJJAqy0 ^SK https://t.co/vbAgYLwWMm

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) October 17, 2017

Emergency services were called to the crash at 2.25pm and were still working on establishing other details.

Senior Sergeant David Raffan said one of the drivers died at the scene. The other driver was not seriously injured.

"Diversions are being put in place down Waitawheta Road, which is between Paeroa and Waihi."

Mr Raffan said access to Waihi was limited and motorists are asked to avoid travel if possible.

A woman who works and lives in the area, but would not be named, said there had been two fatalities on the stretch of road in the past.

There had also been a motorcycle crash recently.

"We had three accidents in less than six months with one vehicle ending up rolling over near my gate," she said.

"The portion of road is a 100km/h [area] and it is too fast. We get a lot of wind here."

The woman wanted the speed limit reduced to 50km/h "as it is a residential zone and businesses are nearby".

"I can guarantee if someone launches a petition, there will be a lot of signatures on it."

Men working near the crash scene said they believed the car involved had been towing a caravan.

One, who said he drove the stretch of road every day from Paeroa to Waihi over the past three years, said he did not think the road was unsafe.

"I think accidents happen due to errors. I have never seen a crash there."

The intersection of SH2 and Dean Crescent in Waihi. Picture Image/Google