Man killed, another critical after crash

The Mazda failed to take a bend. Photo / Supplied

One man is dead and another critically ill in hospital after the unregistered and unwarranted car they were in hit a concrete post near Te Awamutu last night.

Waikato Serious Crash Unit investigators said the crash happened when the Mazda 3 failed to take a slight bend, crossed the centre line and crashed through a solid wooden barrier about 7pm.

The car stopped after hitting a concrete power-pole used to supply electricity to the main trunk railway line.

Power in the area was out for three hours and the railway line was closed to allow emergency services to deal with the crash.

Waikato police communications manager, Andrew McAlley said neither of the men were wearing seatbelts and both were thrown from their seats - making identifying the driver difficult.

The car involved in the crash was not registered and had no warrant of fitness.

The injured man is currently listed as in a stable but critical condition in Waikato Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

Police are continuing to speak to witnesses today.