Fatal crash closes part of State Highway 1

Fatal car accident south of Turangi close SH1 Photo / David Kerr, NZ Herald

A person is dead and two others are injured following a crash on State Highway 1 this afternoon.

Two cars collided just south of Turangi at around 1pm, police said.

Police and other emergency services were in attendance and the Serious Crash Unit was attending to examine the scene.

The road will be closed as a result and diversions will be via SH41, SH47, and SH46, police said.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

It appeared the two vehicles collided as one attempted to turn right from the highway into a driveway, police said.

The car attempting the right-hand turn was travelling north and its female passenger died at the scene.

The male driver of the car has been taken to Taupo Hospital, as has a female passenger in the second car, which was travelling south.

The second car's male driver was uninjured.

At this stage it was not believed the injuries suffered by the two people transported to hospital were serious, police said.

A serious crash investigation is underway and police are working to re-open the road as soon as possible.