Desert Road now open after fatal crash

A person has died after a crash on State Highways 1's Desert Road this morning. Photo / Google

A person has died after a truck-and-car crash on the Desert Rd, State Highway 1, this morning.

The road had been closed for several hours for investigation and vehicle recovery but has now been reopened.

A truck and car collided on SH1 in an area on the road called The Three Sisters.

St John said it sent two vehicles to the crash and a paramedic treated the driver of the car, who later died at the scene

The truck driver was not injured.

SH1 DESERT ROAD, WAIKATO - PRIOR CRASH - 6:10AM
Due to a prior crash, the road is CLOSED between Rangipo and #Waiouru. As a detour northbound, use SH49, SH4, SH47 and SH46 to return to SH1. Reverse for southbound. Please note this will add approx. 40 minutes to your journey. ^CR pic.twitter.com/41oyF61Ya0

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) February 28, 2019

Police said the road was closed while a heavy haulage crane removed the truck from the road.

Fire services were also called to the crash, which happened about 1.30am.

A spokesman for the Northern Fire Communications centre said two crews were at the scene for several hours.

Firefighters worked to help police and left about 5am.