Two dead after Waikato crash

Emergency services at the scene of the crash near Tirau. Photo / BayTrust Rescue Helicopter

A male driver and a female passenger were killed and four people injured when their van collided with a truck and trailer unit in south Waikato last night.

The crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, east of Tirau.

Senior Sergeant Murray Hamilton of Taupo Police said initial inquiries showed that the van ignored a stop sign on SH5 and drove into the path of the truck and trailer unit on SH1.

Of the injured, two men were flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition, while two women were taken by ambulance with minor injuries. The truck driver was uninjured.

SH1 between Putaruru and Tirau was closed following the crash and diversions put in place.

- NZPA