Triple fatal truck crash at Hātepe, south of Taupō

Three people have died in a crash involving a truck and a van just south of Taupō overnight.

The crash on State Highway 1 in Hātepe, 24km south from Taupō, occurred about 4.15am today.

St John ambulance attended and treated three patients who all died at the scene.

One further person was taken to Taupō Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

State Highway 1 has now been partially reopened to the public, but police have advised motorists to expect some delays.