One dead, one critical in Te Puke crash

A 19-year-old Tauranga man is dead after a two car collision near Te Puke tonight.

Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross of Tauranga police said the crash happened about 8.30pm at the intersection of Manoeka Road and State Highway 29.

The dead man was the driver of a van which appeared to have pulled out from Manoeka Rd and collided with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, Mr Glencross said.

A second 19-year-old Tauranga man who was a passenger in the van is in critical condition in Tauranga Hospital.

A third person in the van and the driver of the four-wheel-drive received minor injuries.

Mr Glencross said weather conditions were good at the time of the collision and speed did not appear to be a factor.

Witnesses were asked to contact Tauranga police.

- NZPA