Deadly day: Two people die in pre-Christmas roading tragedies

The scene of the crash. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Two people have died after separate crashes today in the lead-up to Christmas.

And another person was critically injured in a third crash.

Police confirmed tonight that a person had died after being struck by a car in Oakland St, Mataura.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.50pm.

The serious crash unit is investigating.

Earlier in the North Island, one of the busiest traffic days of the year worsened after a car crash blocked both lanes of a Coromandel Peninsula State Highway.

Police were called to the two-car crash just before noon on the Kopu-Hikuai Rd, between Kitahi Rd and Tairua Rd in the Coromandel.

A patient receives care from emergency services. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

The highway from Kopu to Hikuai was closed while emergency services worked. It reopened around 2.30pm.

An air ambulance rescue helicopter attended to take one man aged in his 20s with critical injuries to hospital.

State Highway 25a cuts across Coromandel Forest Park and lead to holiday hotspots including Pauanui, Hahei, Whitianga and Whangamata.

Shortly after noon, one person died after a collision between a motorcycle and car in Papatoetoe, Auckland.

Police were called to Bridge St around 12.10pm - the serious crash unit was at the scene assessing the incident.

Cordons were put in place surrounding the street after the crash and police asked motorists to avoid the area if possible.