Fatal collision brings death toll to 20

One person died and three others were injured after a serious crash at Pamapuria. Photo/Supplied.

Northland's road death toll has climbed to 20 after a fatal crash claimed another life.

A man, believed to be in his 40s, died and three others suffered moderate injuries after a two-car collision on State Highway 1 at Pamapuria, about 10km south of Kaitaia, at about 3.20pm yesterday. Police, St John ambulance, Kaitaia Fire Brigade and staff from Kaitaia Hospital were at the scene.

The Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter was dispatched and a landing area readied at the Pamapuria School grounds. State Highway 1 was closed with traffic being diverted via Ruaroa Rd and Takahue Rd.

The deceased was believed to have been the driver of the car that was extensively damaged and ended up on its roof.

The other car, in which three male passengers were travelling, sustained minor damage.

Police Serious Crash Unit from Whangarei was expected at the scene late yesterday.

St John Northland head Tony Devanney said three or four injured passengers were taken to the Kaitaia Hospital with moderate injuries.

The identity of the dead motorist is expected to be out after his next of kin has been notified.

Meanwhile, rain after a long dry spell led to a series of minor accidents around the region yesterday.

A young Far North woman had a lucky escape when she lost control of her vehicle on State Highway 10 at Kaingaroa, about 15km northeast of Kaitaia, and slammed into a tree at 8.10am.

Station officer Ross Beddows of the Kaitaia Fire Brigade said the woman's car spun out and went backwards into a tree. She was unhurt.

"Had she hit the tree front or side on, it would've been a different story," he said.

The accident occurred on a "tricky hill" at an S-bend.