Driver killed in crash near Hastings

A man was killed in an accident on Ruahapia Rd this afternoon. Photo/Warren Buckland.

UPDATED:

A young boy injured in a crash that killed a man just north of Hastings today is in a critical condition and is set to be flown to Starship Hospital tonight.

The man died after two vehicles collided when one crossed the centre line, police said.

The crash happened at about 3.20 pm on Ruahapia Rd, just west of the rail track and the Otene road intersection.

The popular link between the State Highway 2 and Pakowhai motorway was closed off to all traffic.

The two vehicles collided when one crossed the centre line, police said.

The other driver and her three young children were taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital all with serious injuries. A hospital spokesman said one of the children, a boy, is in a critical condition and is set to fly to Starship Hospital in Auckland tonight.

The other three surviving victims are likely to be discharged later tonight, the spokesman said.