Early morning crash near Tauranga claims woman's life

Emergency services attended a crash in Tauranga early this morning, where a person died. File photo

A two-car crash in the Western Bay of Plenty has resulted in the death of a 40-year-old woman.

Police and emergency services arrived at the scene at Te Puna about 12.30am.

Neither car had any passengers but the driver who survived was taken to hospital as a precaution. The crash happened on Te Puna Rd, near the intersection with Te Puna Station Rd.

Tauranga fire service senior station officer Len Sabin said it appeared to have been a head-on collision.

A fire service spokeswoman said one person was trapped when they arrived at the scene, but couldn't confirm which driver it was.

Firefighters used cutting equipment to reach the driver, who died at the scene.

Police are working with the family of the dead woman and are not yet able to release her name.

The death has been referred to the Coroner and the police Serious Crash Unit remains at the scene.

Police say their thoughts are with the woman's family.