Two dead in separate North Island crashes

Police attended two fatal crashes overnight. Photo / File

Two people have died in separate crashes across the North Island overnight.

The first fatal crash occurred in Hawke's Bay about 9.20pm yesterday.

One person died following the two-vehicle crash on SH5 between Kawaro Roadway and Turangakumu Rd.

Police say another person was seriously injured in the crash and a third person sustained moderate injuries.

The state highway was re-opened about 3am after a Serious Crash Unit scene examination.

"Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or passed by the scene immediately following the crash, and who has not yet spoken to police," a police spokeswoman said.

Another person died due to a crash between a car and a truck in Palmerston North about 12.50am.

The collision happened at the intersection of Napier Rd and James Line, in Whakarongo.

The road was closed for a time while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.

A police spokeswoman said inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing and the death would be referred to the coroner.