SH1 reopens following fatal crash at Putaruru in South Waikato

Emergency services were called to the crash on SH1 around 12.50pm. Photo / File

State Highway 1 has reopened after almost six hours, following a fatal crash in Putaruru, South Waikato.

Police were called to the crash between a southbound truck-and-trailer and a northbound van around 12.50pm.

On arrival, the driver and sole occupant of the van was pronounced deceased, police said.

She was freed from the van with the assistance of Fire and Emergency NZ.

The truck driver was uninjured.

SH 1 was closed between Whites Rd and Junction Rd following the crash, but reopened around 6pm.

Diversions were in place and motorists were asked to avoid travelling this route if at all possible.

NZ Transport Agency earlier said the crash was causing significant congestion in the area.

The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team is also on site.

Putaruru is a small town in the South Waikato District, about 40km southeast of Cambridge.

UPDATE 1.40PM
State Highway 1 is now CLOSED between Whites Road and Junction Road in Putaruru due to a serious crash. ^MF https://t.co/DsMA0yotL7

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) January 9, 2019