Two injured, one dead after Manawatu smash

The two injured people were taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment. Photo / File

One person died and two others suffered serious injuries after a fiery two-vehicle crash in Manawatu yesterday.

Emergency services rushed to the crash, on State Highway 3 near Sanson, shortly after 2pm.

Police said yesterday the head-on crash involved a 4WD vehicle and a car.

The driver of the car died at the scene.

Two people travelling in the 4WD suffered serious injuries.

It is understood the 4WD was towing a horse trailer.

The two injured people were taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.

Fire Service central communications shift manager Carlos Dempsey told the Herald on Sunday one of the vehicles burst into flames.

"One of the vehicles was on fire and we assisted police and ambulance with first aid and traffic control," he said.

Firefighters, paramedics and police attended the crash.

Road diversions were in put in place while the police serious crash unit carried out a detailed examination of the crash site.

Police said they expected to release more details this morning after the dead person's next of kin had been notified.

Matthew Theunissen