One dead, one critically injured, after two fall off ute in Waimārama, Hawke's Bay

One person died at the scene, and another person was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Photo / Google

One person has died and another is fighting for their life in Wellington Hospital after two people fell from a ute in Waimārama.

Community leaders say the incident is a tragedy for the small Hawke's Bay town.

Police and a rescue helicopter were called to Harper Rd, Waimārama, about 7.50pm on Monday where they found two people with serious injuries, a police spokeswoman said.

One person died at the scene, and another person was flown directly by helicopter to Wellington Hospital with serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended, she said.

A Te Whatu Ora- Capital and Coast spokesperson said the person remained in a critical condition in ICU on Tuesday afternoon.

Waimarama resident and new regional councillor Sophie Siers said the community had been hit hard by the news.

"These things really impact on small communities. It is so personal when something happens in your backyard so to speak," Siers said.

"I'm really feeling for the community and for the families of course."

Waimarama resident and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Chairman Bayden Barber said the news had taken him and everyone by surprise.

Police were working to speak with a number of people who were at the scene, as part of an ongoing investigation into what happened.