Man dies following two-vehicle crash

The Police Serious Crash Unit investigates a fatal head-on collision on SH1 at Oakleigh yesterday. Photo / Imran Ali

One man is dead and four others injured after a head-on collision between two cars in Northland.

The crash happened near the intersection of Totara Rd and SH1 at Oakleigh, south of Whangarei, about 2pm yesterday. The death takes Northland's road toll for 2015 to 16.

Police Serious Crash Unit and fire appliances from Whangarei and Portland as well as St John paramedics rushed to the scene.

SH1 was initially closed and diversions put in place using Springfield Rd for traffic heading south and those heading north driving through Salmon Rd.

Traffic on the stretch of SH1 in Oakleigh was moderate at the time of the crash.

Sergeant Simon Craig said the male driver of one of the two cars died at the scene.

One car was heading north and the other in the opposite direction when the collision happened.

Mr Craig said one car appeared to have crossed the centre line.

There was three people, including the driver, in one car and two occupants in another. Both drivers had to be cut free by firefighters.

Four people with moderate to serious injuries were treated at the scene before they were transported to the Whangarei Hospital.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and after they were towed away, traffic resumed via one-lane only as police interviewed people at the scene as part of its investigation.

The highway re-opened shortly after 4pm yesterday.

Police were expected to release the name of the deceased after his next-of-kin had been informed.