One dead, two infants injured after van, truck collide

One person was killed and two infants hospitalised after a van and truck collided head on in icy conditions on State Highway 5 in the Mamaku Ranges, 20km northwest of Rotorua today.

A passenger in the van died at the scene and two infant passengers were taken to Rotorua Hospital, one with serious injuries.

The crash happened about 5.45am, said Constable Tony Mitchell-Ellis of Taupo police.

The driver of the van received minor injuries and the truck driver was unharmed.

Police are not releasing names until next of kin have been told.

It was a frosty morning and there was ice on the road, Mr Mitchell-Ellis said.

Police were still investigating and hoping to hear from any witnesses.

- NZPA