Two dead after serious crash on SH1 near Tīrau, Waikato; road remains closed

A section of State Highway 1 near Tīrau has been closed following a serious two-car crash.

Two people have died following a serious two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near the Waikato town of Tīrau.

Emergency services were called to the accident near the intersection of SH1 and Horahora Rd at Piarere about 7.40pm.

Police said two people are dead, another has critical injuries, and two others have been seriously injured.

“The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are underway.

“Significant diversions are in place, at the intersections with SH29 and SH27.”

SH1 TĪRAU TO CAMBRIDGE, WAIKATO - SERIOUS CRASH - 8:15PM, WED 15 OCT
SH1 is CLOSED north of Tīrau, between SH1/SH29 and SH1/SH27.
Detour via State Highways 29 and 27, and allow additional time for travel through the area this evening. Overnight updates : https://t.co/wnzmK0uBRC pic.twitter.com/CDBeV1Dvs6

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) October 15, 2025

Hato Hone St John said four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, one road manager and an operations manager were called.

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